The sudden downfall of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria has sparked a heated debate about the Biden administration’s role in the events and its subsequent attempts to claim credit for the outcome. Critics argue that the administration’s approach to Syria has been marked by a lack of decisive action and a reluctance to confront the Assad regime and its Iranian backers directly. They point to the administration’s efforts to restrain Israel’s response to the Hamas attacks in October 2023 as evidence of a misguided policy that prioritized de-escalation over decisive action against Iran and its proxies. This restraint, they contend, ultimately emboldened Iran and its allies, delaying the collapse of the Assad regime.
President Biden, however, has presented a different narrative, attributing the shift in power dynamics in the Middle East to his administration’s policies. He specifically highlighted the support provided to Ukraine and Israel in their self-defense efforts, suggesting that this support indirectly contributed to the weakening of Iran and its allies, leading to Assad’s downfall. This claim has been met with skepticism from some analysts, who argue that the administration’s cautious approach to the region actually hampered efforts to effectively counter Iran’s influence. While acknowledging the administration’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense, critics maintain that a more proactive strategy aimed at decisively defeating Iran and its proxies could have accelerated the collapse of the Syrian regime.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly attributed the collapse of the Assad regime to the blows inflicted on Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran during the recent conflict. He expressed gratitude to former President Trump for recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a move that underscores the complex geopolitical landscape of the region. Netanyahu’s remarks highlight the perception that Israel’s decisive actions, rather than the Biden administration’s policies, were the primary catalyst for Assad’s downfall. This perspective underscores the ongoing tension between the U.S. and Israel regarding the appropriate response to Iran’s regional ambitions.
The debate over the U.S. role in Syria also extends to the potential resurgence of ISIS in the power vacuum left by Assad’s departure. Critics point to the administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan as a precedent for potential miscalculations in managing the aftermath of regime change. They caution that a hasty withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria could create an opportunity for ISIS to regroup and regain territory. Concerns have been raised about the security of Kurdish forces holding thousands of ISIS prisoners, as a potential breakout could have severe regional and international consequences. The U.S. has launched airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria, signaling a commitment to preventing the terror group from exploiting the instability.
The Syrian Democratic Council, representing the Syrian Kurds, has emphasized the importance of including Kurdish forces in any future peace process. They warn that the current situation could embolden ISIS and underscore the need for continued U.S. support to maintain stability and prevent a resurgence of the terrorist group. Incoming Congressman Abraham Hamadeh, whose parents are Syrian immigrants, echoed these concerns and stressed the importance of preventing the abandonment of Kurdish allies. This perspective highlights the strategic importance of the Kurdish forces in combating ISIS and maintaining stability in the region.
Experts agree that the collapse of the Assad regime presents both opportunities and challenges. While the removal of a brutal dictator is a positive development, the ensuing instability could create a breeding ground for extremist groups like ISIS. The U.S. faces the complex task of balancing its strategic interests in the region, including countering terrorism and containing Iranian influence, while also navigating the complex political landscape of a post-Assad Syria. The future trajectory of Syria and the broader region will depend significantly on how effectively the U.S. and its allies address these challenges and work towards a stable and peaceful future for the Syrian people.
