President Joe Biden called the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime a historic opportunity for the Syrian people and the United States. Assad’s fall weakens Russia and Iran, provides a potential partner in the fight against ISIS, and could lead to the release of missing journalist Austin Tice. The US is ready to work with a new government in Syria, though risks remain due to terrorist groups involved in the transition.
While the US has limited interest in Syria, it has worked to contain ISIS, which still poses a threat in the region. Assad’s downfall should make it easier to contain ISIS, with US airstrikes targeting ISIS camps following his fall. The US has troops deployed in northeastern Syria to keep ISIS in check.
Tice, a freelance journalist missing since 2012, could benefit from Assad’s fall as authorities work to secure locations where he may be held captive. With Assad out of the picture, there is new hope for learning Tice’s fate. The US will continue to hold ISIS and other organizations accountable in Syria, ensuring that ISIS does not reconstitute in the wake of Assad’s regime collapse.
Assad’s fall was an embarrassment for Russia, who had supported his regime for decades. Russia’s intervention in Syria and support for Assad ultimately did not prevent his downfall, showing the limits of Russian power in the region. The US sees Assad’s fall as an opportunity to further its goals in Syria and secure stability in the region.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com