Biden calls Assad’s fall “moment of historic opportunity”
Washington — President Biden said on Sunday Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad falls It was a “moment of historic opportunity” and he pledged to support the country and its neighbors against any threats.
“The Assad regime has finally fallen,” Biden said at the White House hours after rebel forces entered Damascus and took control of the country.
Mr. Biden pledges to work with partners and stakeholders Syria “Help them seize opportunities to manage risks.” The president also said he would send senior officials to the region to help ensure stability and protect U.S. personnel and would engage with Syrian groups to “achieve a transition from the Assad regime,” Toward an independent and sovereign Syria.
Mr Biden said the administration was “clearly aware” of the possibility islamic state There may be attempts to gain control in a power vacuum, but he said “we won’t let that happen”. He pointed out that the United States has carried out precision air strikes targeting “Islamic State” camps and operatives in Syria.
“Some of the suppressed rebel groups Assad They themselves have a horrific record of terrorism and human rights abuses,” the president said, adding that the United States would evaluate their future actions.
He called on opposition groups to “seek a role in Syria’s governance” and demonstrate their commitment to the Syrian people, the rule of law and the protection of minorities.
The president attributed the collapse of Assad’s government to his administration’s performance in other foreign conflicts, arguing that support for Assad from Iran, Hezbollah and Russia fell apart “because those three countries are stronger today than they were when I took office.” much weaker”.
Biden said Iran made a “historic mistake” when it “chose to launch a multi-front war against Israel.” Attack of October 7 by Hamas. He said both Hezbollah and Hamas had “severely degraded” and Iran’s military capabilities had been “weakened.” The president said this dynamic makes it “impossible” for Hezbollah and Iran to continue supporting the Assad regime.
President says Russia doesn’t support Assad enough because Ukraine Recently able to inflict “huge damage” to the Russian military.
“The upshot of all this is that, for the first time in history, Russia, Iran and Hezbollah are unable to defend this abhorrent regime in Syria,” Biden said, calling it a “direct result” of Ukraine and Israel’s self-defense. The firm support of the United States”
“What we did changed the balance of power in the Middle East,” the president added.
Biden’s comments came as President-elect Donald Trump urged the United States not to intervene, saying in a social media post on Saturday that “Syria is a mess, but it is not our friend and the United States should have nothing to do with it.” “
“This is not our fight. Let it end. Don’t get involved!” the president-elect said.
But Biden was careful to mention the opportunities presented by the regime’s collapse.
“This is a time of great risk and uncertainty,” the president said. “But I also believe that this is the best opportunity for Syrians in generations to forge their own future without opposition.”
