Former President George W. Bush says he and former First Lady Laura Bush have watched the scenes unfolding in Afghanistan with “deep sadness” as the U.S. carries out a rushed evacuation of Americans and Afghan allies.
In a statement on Monday, he said, “Laura and I have been watching the tragic events unfolding in Afghanistan with deep sadness. Our hearts are heavy for both the Afghan people who have suffered so much and for the Americans and NATO allies who have sacrificed so much.”
“The Afghans now at the greatest risk are the same ones who have been on the forefront of progress inside their nation. President Biden has promised to evacuate these Afghans, along with American citizens and our allies,” he continued as he noted the thousands of Afghans who helped the U.S. war effort waiting for visas to be approved to leave the country.
Bush said that the government “has the legal authority to cut the red tape for refugees during urgent humanitarian crises.”
“We have the responsibility and the resources to secure safe passage for them now, without bureaucratic delay. Our most stalwart allies, along with private NGOs, are ready to help,” he added.
The former president is “confident that the evacuation efforts will be effective because they are being carried out by the remarkable men and women of the United States Armed Forces, diplomatic corps, and intelligence community.”
Read the statement below:
Statement on Afghanistan by President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush. pic.twitter.com/IRkgrDQSs4
— Kelly O'Donnell (@KellyO) August 17, 2021
The almost 20-year long war began during the Bush administration after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Bush’s statement comes after the Taliban seized control of the capital of Afghanistan on Sunday, prompting thousands of Afghans to try to escape the country.
Bush also addressed the veterans of the war, “Many of you deal with wounds of war, both visible and invisible. And some of your brothers and sisters in arms made the ultimate sacrifice in the war on terror. Each day, we have been humbled by your commitment and your courage. You took out a brutal enemy and denied Al Qaeda a safe haven while building schools, sending supplies, and providing medical care. You kept America safe from further terror attacks, provided two decades of security and opportunity for millions, and made America proud. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and will always honor your contributions.”
Finally, he said, “Let us all resolve to be united in saving lives and praying for the people of Afghanistan.”
President Joe Biden defended the decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan as he said there was “never a good time to withdraw.” Additionally, he argued that the collapse of the Afghan government “reinforced that ending military involvement in Afghanistan now was the right decision.”