2021-08-24 Move-On calling on Biden to Open Doors to Afghans during Humanitarian Crisis
Finally, after decades of organizing, the U.S. war in Afghanistan is coming to a close. But our work is not over. As President Biden finally ends the military occupation, we must protect vulnerable Afghans and welcome them to our country.
Since its beginning, MoveOn members have called for the United States to use diplomacy instead of violence and destruction, prioritize human rights and lives, and invest the trillions of dollars spent on war-making in essential services like schools, health care, and childcare instead of lining the pockets of large corporations and wealthy investors.
Now, we must follow through with our commitment to protect the most vulnerable by pressuring our elected officials to do everything they can to ensure safety for as many Afghans as possible.
It is correct for the U.S. to withdraw troops and end the decades of violence we have inflicted on the Afghan people ever since the invasion of Afghanistan by George W. Bush. The majority of Americans and Afghans want this war to end.1,2 The quick resurgence of the Taliban, fueled in part by Trump releasing 5,000 Taliban leaders3, makes it crystal clear that this war was a mistake, and more bombs will not bring peace.
However, we cannot let the Afghan people continue to bear the brunt of America’s mistakes. Since the U.S. helped create this crisis, we must do all we can to ensure the safety of Afghans, and everyone persecuted by the Taliban. We must keep the Kabul airport open and accessible, open our doors to Afghans, and send humanitarian aid for those who stay in Afghanistan.
Right now, an estimated 100,000 Afghans are looking to leave the country to escape persecution by the Taliban.4 They are human and civil rights leaders, media, personnel who helped American troops, LGBTQ+ people, religious and ethnic minorities, and more. The Taliban has already started going door to door to mark their homes, and they are preventing access for many to the airport—the sole mechanism to leave the country.5
It’s crucial in this moment for Congress and the Biden administration to work together to ensure that we’re mobilizing on all fronts to mitigate the harm that we’ve played a key role in causing. We must prioritize immediate evacuation efforts by securing access for all to the airport, expand the visa and refugee camp programs to welcome more Afghans, and ensure those who are in process for paperwork are able to wait safely outside of Afghanistan. Lives are on the line, and there is no time to lose.
Send your letter now with just a few clicks to support Afghan civilians who are running out of time.
The long-overdue end to the war in Afghanistan is opening up a conversation about what America’s foreign policy should be. MoveOn members have taken action to stop and prevent wars for decades, and we will continue to build toward a country that uses diplomacy, defends human rights for all, and welcomes people with dignity and respect. As Afghans For a Better Tomorrow put it, “Together, we can ensure that the Afghan people have a chance at a future without war, violence, or a humanitarian crisis. It’s the least they’re owed after decades of occupation.”6
Thanks for all you do.
–Emma, Anne, Mana, Sana, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. “Polling shows public siding with Biden on Afghanistan (for now),” MSNBC, August 18, 2021
2. “Survey: Nearly half of Afghans want US troops out after deal,” Associated Press, January 25, 2020
3. “From prison to power: Taliban leaders go from jail, to negotiating table, to Kabul,” Yahoo News, August 18, 2021
4. “The Desperate Effort To Get Afghan Allies To Safety,” National Public Radio, August 19, 2021
5. “At-Risk Afghans Who Fear The Taliban Hunker Down And Wait To Leave,” National Public Radio, August 24, 2021
6. “President Biden must support the most vulnerable in Afghanistan and lift refugee caps,” Afghans For a Better Tomorrow, accessed August 24, 2021
.
.
progressiveissuesblog 