Former US President George W. Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush were "deeply saddened" by the development of events in Afghanistan.

In a statement issued late on Tuesday, Bush Jr. added that he and his wife watch the development of the tragic events in Afghanistan with deep sadness.

"Our thoughts are with the Afghan people, who have suffered so much, and with the Americans and our NATO partners, who have sacrificed so much," he added.

Bush noted that US forces had eliminated a "brutal enemy and deprived al-Qaeda of a safe haven to live," and that "the war on Afghanistan provided security for Americans for two decades, as well as millions of jobs."

Bush added that the Taliban will not be able to destroy the dream of the Afghans because ideas do not disappear easily, and stated that choices regarding education, freedom and providing opportunities are what determine the chances of their survival and support.

Americans are attacking

After the statement, many politicians and activists blamed Bush for the war on Afghanistan, and political analyst Palmer Report reminded Bush and his deputy, Dick Cheney, when they said that America would not be able to win in Afghanistan.

Some also held him responsible for his transition to the war on Iraq after he stumbled in the victory over the Taliban in Afghanistan, which led to "the depletion of American resources and forces, and of course the loss of the war."

Many of us took direct action to challenge Bush's wars, but ignored our voices as Washington led us into multiple quagmires.

We saw the pattern in Vietnam, and in British & Russian results in Afghanistan.

We aim to help Congress stop the next war—before it starts.

https://t.co/e2WHY22FuX

— Shahid Buttar for Congress (@ShahidForChange) August 17, 2021

What did George W. Bush dodge better, this Iraqi journalist's shoes (below) or blame for losing the war in Afghanistan by diverting America's focus and resources to Iraq?

pic.twitter.com/riIVoHk2lt

— Scott Feinberg (@ScottFeinberg) August 17, 2021

I am not seeing nearly enough in the mainstream media or Twitter about how badly George W. Bush sucked as president, and it is amazing that one person was able to stuff so many disasters into one presidency #Katrina #IraqWar #AfghanistanWar #GreatRecession

— David Rothschild (@DavMicRot) August 17, 2021

I haven't seen any news regarding Afghanistan's oil pipelines.

That was Bush's original reason for the invasion that was planned before 9/11.

Are they still being guarded or what?

#Afghanishtan #Afghan #AfghanistanBurning

— nickrosstech (@NickRossTech) August 17, 2021

Congressional candidate Shahid Butar pointed out that the American press ignored the anti-war voices despite what happened in Vietnam, as well as the loss of Russia and Britain in Afghanistan, adding, "All we aim for is to help Congress stop the next war before it begins."

It is noteworthy that former President Bush Jr. was the one who ordered the invasion of Afghanistan after the attacks of September 11, 2001, to fight al-Qaeda.