Biden: The Inability of Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah Led to Assad's Downfall

On Sunday, December 9, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke about the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, stating that a "historic" opportunity has now arisen for the people of Syria. He noted that this historic opportunity is accompanied by "danger and uncertainty," referencing the killing and imprisonment of hundreds of thousands of Syrian citizens by Assad. Biden reminded that for years, Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah supported Assad, and their inability to continue this support led to Assad's downfall. Regarding the Islamic Republic, he stated that following Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent attacks by Hezbollah and Israel's responses, Hezbollah, as Iran's largest proxy, along with Hamas and the Islamic Republic itself, has been severely weakened. Biden mentioned that the U.S. defended Israel in two Iranian attacks by forming an international coalition. According to him, Putin's invasion of Ukraine has also weakened Russia. Regarding his administration's policy towards Assad and Iran, he stated that extensive sanctions have been imposed on both regimes. He explained that the U.S. presence in Syria is aimed at countering the resurgence of ISIS, and positions of this group were targeted today. Biden asserted that under his leadership, the U.S. has always supported Israel's freedom of action in the region to counter threats against the country. He emphasized U.S. support for Syria's neighbors, stating he would speak with regional leaders and that the U.S. will continue to help establish stability and peace in the Middle East. The President clarified that the U.S. will engage with Syrian rebels from a position of strength, will, and wisdom, based on their actions rather than their words. This speech was broadcast live with simultaneous translation on the Voice of America social media channels. Before Biden's remarks, John Kirby, the White House National Security Council spokesperson, posted on X that President Biden would hold a meeting with his national security team to receive updates on the situation in Syria. Kirby had earlier stated that the Biden administration is closely monitoring the "extraordinary" developments in Syria and is in continuous contact with its regional partners. In this context, Jake Sullivan, the current National Security Advisor, also emphasized on Saturday, December 8, that the United States does not intend to intervene in the Syrian civil war but will take measures to prevent a potential resurgence of ISIS. He stated at the "Reagan National Defense Forum": "In addition to preventing ISIS from regaining power, we have a deep commitment to strengthening the security of our allies in the region, including Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and others, which we will pursue while also paying special attention to the humanitarian situation in Syria." The National Security Advisor confirmed the Biden administration's concerns about the potential consequences of the Syrian conflicts on the region, stating: "We are closely monitoring the situation." However, Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, wrote on his social media account, Truth, on Sunday, December 9: "Assad is gone. He fled his country. His defender, Russia led by Vladimir Putin, is no longer interested in protecting him." Trump, who will assume the presidency on January 20, referred to the Islamic Republic and Russia as Assad's main supporters, stating: "Russia and Iran are currently in a weak position. One due to (the) Ukraine war and the bad economic situation, and the other due to Israel and its successes in the war." Trump emphasized that Russia should not have protected Bashar Assad from the beginning and that Moscow lost interest in protecting Assad after entering the war with Ukraine, which should never have started. The President-elect added: "There was never any reason for Russia to be there from the start. Due to (the) Ukraine war, a war that should never have started and may continue forever, they lost all interest in Syria." On Saturday, December 8, Trump also posted on Truth that the U.S. should not get involved in the Syrian war. In this post, he referred to the "chaotic" situation in Syria, adding that this country is not a friend of the U.S. and that the United States should not have anything to do with it. The President-elect emphasized: "This is not our war. Let it continue. Don't get involved!"