Washington: Former US President George W. Bush has expressed deep regret over the occupation of Afghanistan by the Taliban.
Former US President George W. Bush has said he is “deeply saddened” by the Taliban’s swift takeover of Kabul and has called on Washington to accelerate its withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Bush ordered the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 to overthrow the Taliban government after the September 11 attacks. In a letter Monday, Bush said he and former first lady Lara Bush were there to provide support and cooperation. Ready to be American.
“Our hearts are heavy for the Afghans, the Americans and the NATO allies, because they have endured so much and so many sacrifices,” Bush said.
The former president expressed confidence that the withdrawal would be effective, but urged President Joe Biden to speed up the expulsion of Afghans and Americans who felt threatened by the Taliban.
“It is our responsibility and we have the resources to get them out safely without any bureaucratic delay,” Bush said.
But the former president said the Afghan conflict was not in vain, adding that US troops had also defeated a ruthless enemy while building schools and providing medical care, and had saved the United States from further terrorist attacks.