Former President George W. Bush, whose administration initiated the war in Afghanistan over 20 years ago in response to the 9/11 attacks, issued a statement late Monday night, regarding the Taliban gaining control of the Afghan government.
“Our hearts are heavy for both the Afghan people who have endured so much and for the Americans and NATO partners who have given so much,” Mr. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush said in a statement.
Mr. Bush stated that the US has a responsibility to ensure safe passage for Afghans who “have been at the vanguard of reform within their country.”
Mr. Bush stated: “Laura and I, along with the Bush Center team, are prepared to provide our support and assistance as Americans in this time of need. Let us all commit to work together to save lives and pray for the Afghan people.”
Laura and I have been deeply saddened by the horrible events unfolding in Afghanistan. Our hearts are heavy for both the Afghan people, who have endured so much, and the Americans and NATO partners, who have made so many sacrifices.
The Afghans who are currently most at risk are the same ones who have been at the vanguard of progress within their country. President Biden has vowed to remove these Afghans, as well as Americans and allies. During an urgent humanitarian crisis, the US government has the legal right to waive red tape for refugees. And we have the responsibility and means to ensure their safe passage now, without any bureaucratic delay. Our most steadfast partners, as well as private non-governmental organizations (NGOs), are ready to assist.
Laura and I am optimistic that the evacuation efforts will be successful because they are being carried out by outstanding members of the United States Military Forces, diplomatic corps, and intelligence community. And we want to speak directly to them, as well as the veterans who served in Afghanistan.
Many of you are dealing with obvious and invisible war scars. And some of your comrades in arms paid the ultimate price in the battle on terror. Your dedication and courage have humbled us every day. You eliminated a brutal adversary and denied Al Qaeda a safe haven while also constructing schools, supplying supplies, and giving medical care. You saved America from more terrorist attacks, gave millions of people security and opportunity for two decades, and made America proud. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and will always remember them.
It can be difficult to remain optimistic through difficult times. Laura and I shall remain so indefinitely. Afghanistan, like our country, is made up of resilient, energetic people. Around 65 percent of the population is under the age of 25. Afghanistan’s future will be determined by their choices for opportunity, education, and liberty. “While we are terrified, we are not defeated,” stated Dr. Sakena Yacoobi of the Afghan Institute of Learning, which has created schools for girls and women around the country. She went on to say, “Ideas do not go so quickly. Wind whispers cannot be killed. A dream cannot be crushed by the Taliban. We will win, even if it takes longer than we expected.”
Laura and I, together with the Bush Center team, are prepared to provide our support and assistance as Americans in this time of need. Let us all pledge to work together to save lives and pray for the Afghan people.
