Bush expressed sympathy for the Afghan people.

As unrest spreads in Afghanistan with the Taliban seizing control of the city of Kabul, American policymakers and politicians have traded barbs across political alignments to determine fault. While this is going on, a certain retired politician, who was at the head of the White House when this conflict first began back in 2001, offered comments on the matter.

George W Bush says he feels "deep sadness'" watching "tragic events" in Afghanistan https://t.co/bOgJK8EeIs pic.twitter.com/l67Nq1e3o4

— The Hill (@thehill) August 17, 2021

Former United States President George W. Bush made an official comment on the situation, offering sympathy and condolences to the Afghan people who are experiencing strife and fear in the midst of the Taliban takeover.

“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,” reads Bush’s statement.

Statement on Afghanistan by President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush. pic.twitter.com/IRkgrDQSs4

— Kelly O'Donnell (@KellyO) August 17, 2021

“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,” the statement continued, adding 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.”

Bush’s statement did not contain any mentions of his own time managing the conflict, nor any opinions of the current administration.