Former Pres. George W. Bush Says Withdrawal of U.S. Troops in Afghanistan Is a Mistake

Former U.S. President George W. Bush dubbed the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops from Afghanistan a mistake, adding that there will be "unbelievably bad" consequences.

Bush said in an interview that Afghan women and girls would "suffer unspeakable harm" due to the decision, according to a Fox News report.

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration is set to start evacuation flights in late July for Afghans who have helped the U.S. military and diplomatic missions. Biden announced earlier this month that all U.S. forces will be retreating from the country by August 31.

Bush went on to say that people in Afghanistan are just going to be left behind to be slaughtered and it breaks his heart.

The former president said he did think sending back home the troops are needed. He noted that he is also concerned about the space the U.S. will leave in the country once it has completely withdrawn.

Bush said that the decisions have already been made and he hopes it is the right decision.

Bush launched the war in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. This was part of his efforts to fight the Taliban-run government, as well as targeting al-Qaeda, according to an NBC News report.

It has also become America's longest war.

Ending U.S. Presence in Afghanistan

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has also vowed to end the presence of the United States in Afghanistan. Biden had followed suit, according to a Voice of America News report.

Republicans have opposed Biden's troop withdrawal, but a poll shows that the American public approved of the idea.

Biden defended his decision to bring the troops home, saying that the U.S. did not go to Afghanistan to "nation-build."

The president noted that it is the Afghan people who have the right and responsibility to determine how they want to run their nation.

He added that nearly 20 years of experience has shown them that fighting in Afghanistan is not a solution, but a way to stay there indefinitely.

Withdrawing Troops from Afghanistan

Scott Miller has returned from Afghanistan on Wednesday. Miller is the top U.S. general in Afganishtan. He already handed over his command at a ceremony in Kabul, according to an ABC News Go report.

Operation Allies Refuge will relocate Afghan citizens who applied and are eligible for a special immigrant visa. Those individuals and their families will be relocated to a secure third country.

However, it is not yet clear how many of these translators and guides will be moved and exactly where to.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that their goal is to get individuals who are eligible to be relocated in advance of the withdrawal of the troops. The administration has not specifically said when the flights will depart due to security concerns.

Meanwhile, Biden said that there is a home for the women and men of Afghanistan in the United States if they choose.

Reports said that Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan have been all considered as third-country options. A second official list includes the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Around 18,000 Afghans have applied for Special Immigrant Visas, with many fearing for their lives as the Taliban gain more districts against the Afghan government.

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by Mary Webber

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