Former President Bush Expresses ‘Deep Sadness’ Over Taliban Takeover of Afghanistan

(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Houston (WBAP/KLIF) – Former President George W. Bush, who ordered the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, issued a statement about the events unfolding in the country:

“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. The United States government has the legal authority to cut the red tape for refugees during urgent humanitarian crises. And 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.

Laura and I are 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. And we want to speak to them directly, along with the veterans who have served in Afghanistan.”

Bush ordered the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan after the 9-11 terrorists attacks, in an effort to oust the Taliban and deny al-Qaeda of a safe haven to launch any more such attacks.  Last month, the former president said that President Biden’s decision leave the region would leave Afghan women and girls facing “unspeakable harm.”

Meantime, the Refugee Services of Texas is working working to help relocate 324 Afghan refugees to cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and Austin.

At least 10 families are already in Dallas.  See more from our media partner WFAA.

(Copyright 2021 WBAP/KLIF. All rights reserved.)

(Copyright 2021 WBAP/KLIF. All rights reserved.)

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