Let’s summon our better angels to welcome Afghan refugees
September 30, 2021
BY AMY PALMER SPECIAL TO STARS AND STRIPES SEPTEMBER 28, 2021
The last soldier has left Afghanistan. The longest war in American history has ended.
No matter where we turn — be it news channels, social media or local newspapers — we are bombarded by those casting blame about who’s at fault for the rushed evacuation and stranding of American citizens and Afghan allies in a country controlled by the Taliban.
It’s enough to make you feel helpless, but you are not. Now is the time to stand up and do your part to help.
After weeks of intense evacuation efforts, American troops completed the dangerous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Thanks to the selfless courage of our service members — including 13 American heroes who gave their last full measure — the U.S. armed forces successfully evacuated around 120,000 U.S. citizens, citizens of allied nations, and Afghan allies.
While many of those evacuated are returning to America or abroad, tens of thousands of Afghan allies and their families face a new reality: beginning a new life in a new country with no more than the clothes on their back.