(DailyChive.com) – President Joe Biden made a brief announcement from the White House on Sunday, taking credit for the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad. Assad, whose decades-long rule was marked by violence and oppression, was overthrown by rebel forces after years of conflict.
Biden outlined a mix of strategies his administration claims led to this outcome. He pointed to sanctions aimed at isolating Assad, efforts to weaken Russia by engaging them in Ukraine, and allowing Israel greater flexibility to counter threats from Iran and Hezbollah. According to Biden, these policies left Assad vulnerable and without allies.
In his speech, Biden said the administration followed a clear plan in Syria. First, it enforced sanctions on Assad, refusing to lift them until he agreed to a political resolution for peace, based on a 2015 U.N. agreement. Since Assad didn’t comply, the sanctions remained and were extended to others involved in war crimes. Second, U.S. forces stayed in Syria, focusing on defeating ISIS and ensuring the terror group couldn’t regain a foothold. Finally, Biden stressed support for Israel’s efforts to combat Iranian networks in Syria, even ordering military strikes when necessary to protect American forces.
Biden argued that this multi-pronged approach shifted the balance of power in the region. He expressed optimism about opportunities for Syrians to rebuild their country and hinted at drafting a new constitution with the help of international aid.
However, Biden’s narrative omitted some significant details. During Barack Obama’s presidency, which Biden served as vice president, the administration attempted to engage with Assad. Notably, Obama backed away from enforcing a “red line” after Assad used chemical weapons in 2012. Critics have also pointed out that Biden’s handling of Israel and Iran hasn’t been as straightforward as claimed. While Biden insists he gave Israel more freedom to act, many argue he pressed for restraint.
In closing, Biden suggested the road ahead would involve rebuilding Syria with input from diverse groups within the nation. His hopeful tone underscored the challenges still facing the region after years of devastation. Whether these plans materialize remains uncertain, but Biden sought to frame the moment as a victory for U.S. foreign policy.
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