My thoughts on the situation in Afghanistan
Dear Neighbor,
Yesterday, 13 U.S. servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their fellow Americans and our Afghan allies. My deepest sympathy goes out to their loved ones, as well as the Afghan civilians who were killed in this heinous terrorist attack. I pray the families of the fallen and injured servicemembers can find some small measure of peace in knowing they helped save countless lives as part of the evacuation effort. The terrorists responsible for this attack must pay for their actions.
The American servicemembers in Kabul – including many who deployed from Camp Pendleton – are conducting a vital mission in extraordinarily difficult circumstances with incredible courage and selflessness. They are risking their own lives to protect their fellow Americans, our Afghan allies, and thousands of men, women, and children who are at risk of violence. I am proud they have evacuated more than 100,000 people in recent weeks.
It’s critical that we continue to evacuate as many of our Afghan allies as possible, particularly women and children who are most at risk from violence, regardless of any arbitrary deadline. My office has worked with many constituents to help connect them with State Department officials who can help get their loved ones out of the country, and we will continue to do that important work. Any constituent who needs assistance getting their loved ones out of the country should call my office immediately. My office will also do everything we can to help resettle Afghan refugees, and I look forward to welcoming any Afghans who arrive in our community with open arms.
It is clear that a comprehensive investigation is needed of the strategic decisions made with regard to Afghanistan from the Bush-Cheney Administration onward. I welcome Congressional hearings on the events of the last several months, as well as the many decisions over the last 20 years that brought us to this point. The American people deserve answers and accountability from their leadership, and I intend to help provide that.
Best,
Rep. Mike Levin