President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Sunday, describing the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime as a “historic opportunity” for the people of Syria while warning of the risks and uncertainties that lie ahead.
“At long last, the Assad regime has fallen,” Biden said after meeting with his national security team. “This regime brutalized, tortured, and killed literally hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians.”
Biden acknowledged the moment’s gravity, stating, “This is a moment of considerable risk and uncertainty,” but emphasized the potential for Syrians to “forge their own future free of oppression.”
The president assured that the U.S. would remain vigilant, supporting Syria’s neighbors—Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Israel—against any potential threats. He also reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring the safety of Americans in Syria, including efforts to secure the release of Austin Tice, a freelance journalist and Marine Corps veteran kidnapped in Syria in 2012.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump criticized U.S. involvement in the region, calling Syria a “mess” and warning against any intervention. “In any event, Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!” Trump wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
On Saturday, White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett clarified that the U.S. had no involvement in the offensive led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a designated terrorist organization. “The U.S. will work with its allies and partners to urge de-escalation and protect U.S. personnel and military positions,” Savett said.
The fall of Assad’s regime marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s history, offering hope for a new era while raising concerns about regional stability and the role of extremist groups in the power vacuum. The U.S. now faces the challenge of balancing its support for a peaceful transition while ensuring its interests and allies remain protected in a volatile region.
