White House assessment on the reason for Assad's current situation: The Iran and Russia detail
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that Bashar al-Assad is facing his current situation because he has oppressed his people and has been "left exposed" by his traditional supporters, Iran and Russia.
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Sullivan spoke at the Reagan National Defense Forum.
Stating that two important points should be noted when examining developments in Syria, Sullivan said, "This is happening for two reasons. First, Assad has acted brutally and oppressively toward his people. He did not act in a conciliatory manner to provide them with a better future and life. The Syrian people have had enough."
Jake Sullivan noted that the second reason is that Assad's traditional supporters, Iran and Russia, have "left him exposed" because they are weak and distracted.
Stating that Assad's forces have also been "hollowed out," Sullivan expressed that they were aware that jihadist forces had been preparing, and that the fundamental reason for the speed and scale currently seen is the weakness of Assad's supporters.
Sullivan stated that among the US's primary priorities are preventing the resurgence of ISIS and ensuring that friendly countries in the region remain strong and secure.
Noting that the US also wants to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe for civilians, Sullivan reported that they continue to work with their partners in the region within this framework.