While we are all eager for our sons and daughters in uniform to return home, it is also important that we do not needlessly or recklessly bargain away the rights and freedoms that the Afghan people have gained at such a huge cost in American coalition and Afghan lives.
Stresses the importance of protecting Afghan rights during U.S. withdrawal.
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Unfortunately, the Taliban have not behaved in a manner that convinces me that they are inclined to choose the former.
If the Taliban are unwilling or unable to abide by their commitments, or if political negotiations collapse, the resulting crisis will likely have a grave consequence for those Afghan people, regional stability, and international security.
We aspire to a world in which all human beings, regardless of their race, culture, or religion, see their fundamental rights respected and enjoy the progress and prosperity that protection of those rights make possible.
Our work in Afghanistan is not yet done. It will take several years and sustained commitment of significant resources by the United States and the international community before the country can stand on its own feet.