U.S. President Joe Biden Delivers Remarks on Syria’s Transition
From the White House’s Roosevelt Room, President Joe Biden delivered remarks on Sunday regarding the toppling of Syria’s dictatorship, saying, “It’s a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country.” He acknowledged that the transition period comes with risk and uncertainty, pledging that the U.S. will work with international partners and stakeholders to mitigate the risks.
The President emphasized the need to prioritize the security of detention facilities holding ISIS fighters, ensuring that the terrorist organization does not reestablish itself. He also commended U.S. forces for conducting a dozen precision air strikes in Syria on Sunday, targeting ISIS camps and operatives.
Biden acknowledged that not only ISIS poses a threat, but also rebel groups that have taken down the Assad regime, many of which have their own records of terrorism and human rights abuses. He cautioned that the U.S. will assess the actions of these groups as they assume greater responsibility.
The President pledged to help all Syrian groups establish an independent and sovereign government, providing humanitarian aid to assist in rebuilding the war-torn nation. He also expressed a commitment to securing the return of Austin Tice, an American journalist abducted by the Syrian government in 2012 and believed to be alive.
Regarding Bashar al-Assad’s resignation and departure from Syria, Biden stated that he is unaware of the President’s whereabouts, but believed that he should be held accountable. He noted that Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, Assad’s allies, are “far weaker” than when he took office, concluding, “We will not let ISIS reestablish its capability and create a safe haven.”