George W. Bush Sends Message to Afghanistan War Veterans, Calls on Biden Admin to Take Action

Former President George W. Bush issued a press release Monday expressing “deep unhappiness” over the debacle in Afghanistan.

Bush was president when America launched Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan to search out these accountable for the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Final month, in a uncommon show of touch upon the insurance policies of a successor, he mentioned he disagreed with President Joe Biden’s determination to withdraw all army troops from Afghanistan, in keeping with The Washington Post.

Bush mentioned he was “afraid Afghan ladies and ladies are going to endure unspeakable hurt” on account of the withdrawal.

“I feel the results are going to be unbelievably unhealthy. And I’m unhappy. Laura and I spent plenty of time with Afghan ladies. They usually’re scared,” he mentioned,

“I take into consideration all of the interpreters and those that helped — not solely U.S. troops, however NATO troops — and so they’re simply, it looks like they’re simply going to be left behind to be slaughtered by these very brutal folks,” Bush mentioned.

“And it breaks my coronary heart.”

On Monday, he mentioned in his assertion that he and former first woman Laura Bush “have been watching the tragic occasions unfolding in Afghanistan with deep unhappiness.

“Our hearts are heavy for each the Afghan individuals who have suffered a lot and for the People and NATO allies who’ve sacrificed a lot,” he mentioned, in keeping with a statement despatched by the Bush Heart.

Bush mentioned no ally ought to be left behind.

“The Afghans now on the biggest danger are the identical ones who’ve been on the forefront of progress inside their nation. President Biden has promised to evacuate these Afghans, together with Americans and our allies,” he mentioned.

“Within the face of imminent and vital danger to ladies and ladies within the area, we should severely contemplate what we’re keen to just accept as a rustic.” Learn our letter urging policymakers to take motion in defending Afghan ladies and ladies. https://t.co/WBStVtceQ8

— George W. Bush Presidential Heart (@TheBushCenter) August 15, 2021

“The USA authorities has the authorized authority to chop the purple tape for refugees throughout pressing humanitarian crises. And we’ve got the accountability and the assets to safe secure passage for them now, with out bureaucratic delay. Our most stalwart allies, together with non-public NGOs, are prepared to assist,” Bush added.

Amid scenes of panic from Kabul, Bush mentioned that with the American military in cost, there may be hope for the very best end result.

“Laura and I are assured that the evacuation efforts will likely be efficient as a result of they’re being carried out by the exceptional women and men of america Armed Forces, diplomatic corps, and intelligence neighborhood,” the assertion mentioned.

Bush then added a press release to veterans and repair members.

“A lot of you cope with wounds of struggle, each seen and invisible. And a few of your brothers and sisters in arms made the final word sacrifice within the struggle on terror. Every day, we’ve got been humbled by your dedication and your braveness,” he mentioned.

Bush sought to validate the sacrifice of the greater than 2,000 People who died and the greater than 20,000 wounded in Afghanistan.

“You took out a brutal enemy and denied Al Qaeda a secure haven whereas constructing faculties, sending provides, and offering medical care. You stored America secure from additional terror assaults, supplied twenty years of safety and alternative for thousands and thousands, and made America proud. We thanks from the underside of our hearts and can all the time honor your contributions,” he mentioned.

Bush, who was president in America’s darkish days of adversity, mentioned hope all the time endures.

“In occasions like these, it may be laborious to stay optimistic. Laura and I’ll steadfastly stay so. Like our nation, Afghanistan can also be made up of resilient, vibrant folks. Almost 65 p.c of the inhabitants is below twenty-five years previous. The alternatives they’ll make for alternative, schooling, and liberty may even decide Afghanistan’s future,” he mentioned.

The previous president then quoted Sakena Yacoobi of the Afghan Institute of Studying, who helped open faculties for ladies, as saying, “The Taliban can not crush a dream. We are going to prevail, even when it takes longer than we needed it to.”

“Laura and I, together with the group on the Bush Heart, stand prepared as People to lend our help and help on this time of want. Allow us to all resolve to be united in saving lives and praying for the folks of Afghanistan,” the assertion mentioned in closing.