Biden needs to recognize reality in Syria
Aidan Springs
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In May, Syria was readmitted to the Arab League after a 12-year suspension. Only a few years ago, the same wealthy Gulf Arab states which make up the bulk of the league had backed a rebellion that sought to overthrow Bashar al-Assad’s regime. What changed?
Assad, an ophthalmologist-turned-war criminal, is now the undisputed ruler of Syria. Despite the best efforts of Western and Arab powers, the civil war which began in 2011 and threatened to depose him is effectively concluded. Propped up by his allies in Tehran and Moscow, Assad now controls more than 70% of Syrian territory. The rest is divided between a mix of Turkish-backed jihadists, Kurdish separatists, and pockets of Sunni Arabs.
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Assad’s rule has been marred by a long list of human rights abuses and war crimes. Since his first days in power, Assad has favored his fellow Alawites for top government appointments, working to solidify state control around the Assad family. He has brutally stopped anti-establishment elements from gaining power.
Assad’s government is now faced with the difficult task of rebuilding Syria. The United States has made this task exceedingly difficult for the Assad regime, passing the Caesar Act in 2019, which effectively banned the support of the Assad regime by any international power or force. The act’s effects were especially noticeable when a massive earthquake struck northern Syria and Turkey, devastating an already war-torn part of the country. The damage was so extreme, and supplies so difficult to import, that over 58,000 people perished in the aftermath.
That should be a lesson for the U.S. As its Arab allies move to restore ties with Assad, Washington should see reality for what it is. It is illogical to continue hedging bets against Assad when he has, for all intents and purposes, won. This doesn’t mean welcoming Assad to the White House. But the top line should be clear. Better that the U.S. attempt to influence Assad than he remain beholden to Russia and Iran.
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Aidan Springs is a rising Junior at American University and a current National Journalism Center intern.