Biden offers a blueprint for US support in Syria, announces airstrikes against ISIS targets
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President Joe Biden addresses the situation in Syria from the Roosevelt Room at the White House on December 8, 2024. Chris Kleponis/AFP/Getty Images
President Joe Biden on Sunday provided a blueprint for U.S. support in Syria following the dramatic fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Addressing the nation from the White House, Biden framed the collapse of Assad’s regime as both an opportunity and a risk for the region. He highlighted the moment as an unprecedented chance for Syria’s people to shape a better future, though he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding what comes next.
Biden’s remarks came after a swift rebel offensive caused Assad’s regime to collapse, marking a turning point in Syria’s brutal civil war. He emphasized that the United States would continue to work with partners in the region to support a transition to a more democratic and sovereign government in Syria. The president also reiterated America’s commitment to preventing the resurgence of ISIS, which continues to pose a significant threat despite its territorial losses.
“We will not let ISIS reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria,” Biden declared, stressing the importance of preventing the terrorist group from regaining a stronghold. To that end, U.S. forces launched dozens of airstrikes in Syria, targeting over 75 ISIS positions. These strikes involved assets such as B-52 bombers, F-15 fighter jets, and A-10 aircraft. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to holding accountable any organizations that partner with or support ISIS in Syria.
The president’s announcement also coincided with the transition to the incoming Trump administration. President-elect Donald Trump has voiced skepticism about continued U.S. involvement in Syria, favoring a more isolationist foreign policy. Trump questioned the effectiveness of U.S. support to Syria and suggested that Russia’s diminishing support for Assad signaled a shift in the region’s power dynamics. Trump’s stance contrasts sharply with Biden’s approach, which stresses American leadership in supporting allies and maintaining stability in the Middle East.
In response to the crisis, the U.S. will engage with various groups within Syria, including opposition factions and civil society organizations, as the country navigates its transition. Biden’s administration also pledged humanitarian aid to help restore services and institutions within Syria, which have been devastated by over a decade of conflict.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the U.S. government’s support for a peaceful transition and the establishment of an accountable Syrian government. He emphasized the Syrian people’s right to demand the preservation of state institutions and the protection of vulnerable communities during this period of change. Biden also warned that the U.S. would closely monitor the actions of rebel groups, particularly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which the U.S. has designated a terrorist organization. While HTS leaders have expressed intentions to form a government based on popular support, Biden made it clear that U.S. policy would be guided by actions, not just words.
A major concern for the U.S. government is Syria’s stockpile of chemical weapons. Biden’s administration has made addressing the issue a top priority. The U.S. has been in discussions with international partners to dispose of any remaining chemical weapons, although Biden made it clear that U.S. troops would not be deployed on the ground to handle the situation. He also reiterated U.S. efforts to hold the Assad regime accountable for its use of chemical weapons during the war.
In addition to addressing Syria’s future, Biden expressed his ongoing commitment to bringing home American journalist Austin Tice, who has been held captive in Syria since 2012. The U.S. continues to seek information on Tice’s whereabouts, with the FBI offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to his safe return. Tice’s parents remain hopeful, with Debra Tice, his mother, confirming that her son is well-cared for by those holding him.
Biden’s speech underscores the ongoing complexities of U.S. involvement in Syria. As Assad’s regime collapses, the U.S. faces the challenge of ensuring regional stability, supporting Syria’s transition, and continuing the fight against terrorist organizations like ISIS. At the same time, Biden’s administration remains vigilant in its efforts to uphold human rights and hold those responsible for war crimes accountable. As Syria enters a new chapter, Biden’s blueprint for U.S. support will play a key role in shaping the country’s future.
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