WASHINGTON – The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition released the following statements on the situation in Afghanistan:

From Liz Schrayer, President and CEO, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition:

“The USGLC community, heartbroken for the Afghan people and devastated by the rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, is particularly concerned for Americans still on the ground and the Afghan civilians at grave risk who have worked alongside the U.S.

“As such, we urge the U.S. to move heaven and earth to relocate and secure the safety of thousands of Afghans – and their families – who not only worked alongside the U.S. military, but also with our nation’s civilian agencies and partners. Time is of the essence to get this right.

“USGLC members have worked tirelessly for years to create a safer and more prosperous Afghanistan, especially for women and girls. That work and progress is now in jeopardy. Going forward, the U.S. and our allies must continue to stand with the Afghan people to protect the rights of women and girls and ensure access for humanitarian operations. We will work with Congress and the Administration to ensure strong diplomatic action and adequate resources to support these efforts.

“In the midst of this crisis, we must never lose sight of our gratitude for the hundreds of thousands of servicemembers and American diplomatic and aid personnel who have served in harm’s way over the last two decades to help keep our country safe in the years since 9/11.”

From General Anthony Zinni (Ret.) and Admiral James Stavridis (Ret.):

“In this difficult situation, the United States must stand by and protect all Afghans who stood with the U.S. It is critical that we be prepared to protect those who served honorably alongside us – with our military and with our nation’s civilian agencies, American NGOs and contractors, and U.S.-based media organizations.”

General Zinni and Admiral Stavridis serve as the Co-Chairs of USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council, which brings together more than 200 retired three- and four-star retired generals and admirals.