Chemical weapons in Syria are up for grabs as terrorists eye the deadly arsenal left behind by Assad’s fallen regime.
At a Glance
- U.S. and Middle Eastern partners rush to secure chemical weapons in post-Assad Syria
- Terrorist groups pose imminent threat of seizing these deadly arsenals
- Assad flees to Russia as his military apparatus crumbles
- Israel conducts preemptive strikes on Syrian chemical weapons facilities
- Biden administration pledges support to Syria’s neighbors against potential threats
Race Against Time: Securing Assad’s Deadly Legacy
In a high-stakes operation, the United States is collaborating with Middle Eastern countries to prevent Bashar al-Assad’s chemical weapons from falling into terrorist hands. The sudden collapse of Assad’s regime has created a dangerous vacuum, with the disintegration of Syria’s military apparatus opening a potential window for extremist groups to capture these lethal stockpiles.
President Biden has taken swift action, pledging support to Syria’s neighbors – Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel – against any threats emanating from the unstable situation in Syria. This move underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for regional destabilization if these weapons fall into the wrong hands.
The US says it is working with allies in the Middle East to secure and destroy chemical weapons that belonged to the Assad regime.
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) December 8, 2024
A History of Atrocities: Assad’s Chemical Weapons Legacy
The urgency of the situation is rooted in the Assad regime’s dark history of chemical weapons use. In 2013, Assad’s forces deployed these weapons against their own people, crossing a “red line” set by then-President Barack Obama. The Obama administration’s response – negotiating with Russia to destroy these stockpiles rather than intervening directly – now seems inadequate in light of recent developments.
“We will support international efforts to hold the Assad regime and its backers accountable for atrocities and abuses perpetrated against the Syrian people, including the use of chemical weapons,” said Secretary of State Tony Blinken.
However, with Assad now reportedly in Russia with his family, evading direct involvement in the escalation and subsequent resolution efforts, the focus has shifted to preventing further catastrophe.
U.S. Strategy: Diplomacy and Force
The Biden administration is employing a multi-faceted approach to the crisis. While focusing on securing Syria’s chemical weapons through diplomatic channels and intelligence monitoring, the U.S. is not hesitating to use force when necessary. U.S. Central Command has conducted airstrikes against ISIS camps in Syria to prevent the group’s resurgence and potential acquisition of these weapons.
President Biden has outlined a comprehensive U.S. policy for Syria, emphasizing the transition to an independent, sovereign state. This policy includes engaging with all Syrian opposition groups, including those with mixed records, while stressing the importance of their actions aligning with their statements.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Uncertainties
As the U.S. and its Middle Eastern partners work to secure and destroy the remaining chemical weapons in Syria, significant challenges lie ahead. The true extent of Assad’s chemical weapons stockpile remains uncertain, with Western intelligence doubting full compliance with previous disarmament agreements.
The involvement of various rebel groups, some with questionable motives and allegiances, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. While Syrian rebels claim no interest in Assad’s chemical weapons and pledge to secure military bases responsibly, their actions will be closely scrutinized.
