Executive Statement on the Events in Afghanistan

Dear Friends, 08/16/2021

As infographics and news articles fill our Instagram stories, we would like to take a moment to break down the story and the facts of the recent events in Afghanistan.

In the last few years, promises of the removal of American troops from Afghanistan have not been fulfilled. In early summer, the Biden administration announced that the U.S. would leave Afghanistan completely by Sept. 11, 2021. A move we personally disliked. Following this announcement, the Taliban took control of most of the country very swiftly and without trouble. The progress American troops and veterans made were swept away overnight and is a slap in the face to the American lives lost.

With the Taliban in control, the freedoms for women and girls as well as a fair justice system is gone and hundreds of thousands of people are at risk of everyday rights being taken from them. As U.S. planes lined the runway, We see civilians follow on foot, desperate for them to stay knowing the impact this will have.

President Biden severely fumbled his tasks of protecting world peace and the safety of Afghan citizens who helped America during the time we were there. We ask President Biden and Secretary Austin to reconsider pulling troops from Afghanistan and if continuing to pull troops, to also consider the Americans sheltering in place, scared for their safety as your first priority.

Bright Future stands with the people of Afghanistan, and we hope for peace in the Middle East. We fear for the futures of Afghan citizens, as American aid leaves them alone with the Taliban in control. We must stand up for humanity and protect the lives of innocent people. As an organization we ask the President, Department of Defense, and United States Congress to step up and fight for the people of Afghanistan in these terrifying times.

Sincerely,

Jack Ramirez

President, Bright Future

Maher Salha

Vice President, Bright Future