George W. Bush Expresses ‘Deep Sadness’ Over the ‘Tragic Events’ in Afghanistan

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.”