Where were you on September 11th?

WAND Statement on the death of Osama bin Laden and the future of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan.

Where were you on September 11th, 2001? Everyone remembers and turns to reflect on that day as we hear about the death of Osama bin Laden. We remember those who were lost on that day and in the days, months, and years that followed.

The world was with us on 9/11, and perhaps again as this door has slammed shut on a demonic leader whose mantra was pure evil. The world notes how much suffering, damage, and cost emanated from his mission. May that be over. May the echoes be, "No more."

Now we reflect and mourn for all those who are gone because of this man's criminal vision. We honor the many heroes of 9/11 and the decade since then– most especially the courageous men and women serving in the military.  And then, we unite in our effort to build peace.

The President came to office promising to "hunt down and kill or capture Osama Bin Laden" and to pursue an "accelerated withdrawal" of the troops in Afghanistan. It’s time to focus on a transition in Afghanistan. We must turn our focus from making war to building peace.

Efforts to encourage accelerated withdrawal of troops are stirring in Congress and WAND supports these efforts. While we acknowledge that we can't airlift all the troops out tomorrow - and we cannot, and will not, leave civilians (especially the women and children) unprotected - we can start NOW to end this ten year war.

As we bring our troops home, we know that it is vital that the United States use its leverage and resources to build towards a peaceful future in Afghanistan. Security is important, but does not have to come in the form of our military. Afghanistan was a dangerous place before, and is still unsafe. Together with the international community, we should pave the way for indigenous security efforts and provide for a strong civil society insisting that women are at the decision-making table.

That will be the best way to honor all who have suffered and sacrificed, and move beyond Osama bin Laden’s era of terror.