Posted on 08/17/2021 5:31:26 AM PDT by RandFan
Former President George W Bush is speaking out on the government's collapse in Afghanistan, expressing his sadness over the Taliban’s swift takeover of the country.
Bush and former first lady Laura Bush said in a joint statement issued late Monday that their hearts are heavy for Afghan civilians, Americans and NATO allies.
"Laura and I have been watching the tragic events unfolding in Afghanistan with deep sadness," the former president said. "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."
He said that the Afghans "now at the greatest risk are the same ones who have been on the forefront of progress inside their nation,” noting that President Biden has promised to evacuate Afghan civilians, American citizens, and 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,” the former president added.
Biden, also late on Monday, allocated $500 million in additional funds for relocating Afghan refugees, including applicants for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs).
The war in Afghanistan began under the George W. Bush administration following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The Taliban swiftly took over Kabul on Sunday, leaving Americans and Afghan civilians desperately trying to escape the country.
In the new statement, the former president expressed his confidence in the U.S. military to carry out evaluation efforts and said that he would like to speak directly with them and veterans who served in Afghanistan.
“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,” he said.
Bush also praised the U.S. military’s work over the last two decades to deny al Qaeda a safe haven, build schools and provide supplies and medical care in Afghanistan.
“In times like these, it can be hard to remain optimistic. Laura and I will steadfastly remain so. Like our country, Afghanistan is also made up of resilient, vibrant people,” he said, noting that nearly 65 percent of the Afghan population is under 25 years old.
The former president stressed that he and the former first lady are ready to support and assist in the situation.
In July, Bush warned of the consequences of the U.S. withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, saying he’d seen the progress made by Afghan women and girls.
“Laura and I spend a lot of time with Afghan women and they’re scared and I think about all the interpreters and all the people that helped not just U.S. troops but NATO troops and it seems like they’re just going to be left behind to be slaughtered by these very brutal people. It breaks my heart,” Bush said in an interview with DW, a German news network.
Like his foolish bother who trashed Trump and Pompeo yesterday for this and for as bad as Biden screwed it up, it was GWB who started two wars and both turned out to be wastes of time, money and more importantly human lives..
Eff the Bushes. Stay out the Bushes
The mute speaks.
you can always go organize a bike outing with some veterans who lost limbs to show them....er...the world... you care
What is he supposed to apologize for in this regard? He was the President when 9/11/2001 happened. The other day you seemed to be completely unaware of that. Then you post on one of the worst and most tragic days in US History "this is a great day."
He’s only sad because he, Cheney, and their buddies can’t profit from it any more.
Didn’t George H have chance to take out Sadam and didn’t?
Bush was in office on 9/11 longer than Biden was when Afghanistan fell apart. If we are going to hammer Biden for Afghanistan, then Bush should be equally hammered for allowing 9/11 on his watch.
He should apologize for the failed nation building in Afghanistan and Iraq. The squandering of billions and billions of dollars.
He will never admit it was a colossal failure or show humility. He is a disgrace in my book.
In 2003, we allowed the then Communications Officer of the Taliban to enter our country to attend Yale. That’s when I knew Bush wasn’t serious about his little war. It’s obscene that we lost so many lives and limbs there - and yet there still is such a functioning thing as a “Taliban”.
“He’s only sad because he, CHENEY, and their buddies can’t profit from it any more.”
PRECISELY what I was going to post!! The Bushes and Cheneys have American soldiers’ blood on their hands and have no problem continuing.
I did not know this.
It’s like Ted Bundy or Jeffrey Dahmer saying they are sorry people were killed.
Evil is a stupid, blunt force instrument and this clown is a ball peen.
George W Bush says he feels ‘deep sadness’ watching ‘tragic events’ in Afghanistan
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The Republicans and Dems among the Neo-Cons will just find some other way to funnel money to their war-profitting friends. After all, the world is a big place. I’m sure there’s some country somewhere that needs a new puppet regime installed by Uncle Sam.
You’re right. Anyone with an ounce of decency would apologize for his horrific failures.
Instead, Bush’s statement reads as if he’s just some neutral observer on the sidelines. What a piece of trash he is.
Instead they double down on the stupidity. Argh. Like I said, makes me angry.
Sorry if I’m a bit snappy.
Lessons need to be learned and so called leaders like Bush should be among those keen to learn them.
Instead he and Cheney come out with stuff like “I would do exactly the same thing again”.
Who gives a crap what this azzzwhole has to say or think or feel, or give a care. Be quiet Bush and go away!
Let’s not forget to add Cheney to the list. He’s as responsible as any of them. Meanwhile, Liz Cheney is bashing and blaming Trump.
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