"Now more than ever, the Afghan people deserve the continuing help of the international community as they begin the difficult process of reclaiming their country, resettling their people and restoring their livelihood. The commitment of the United States to the Afghan people will remain firm, both through our bilateral humanitarian aid program and through United Nations efforts to remove mines, resettle refugees and reconstruct Afghanistan's war-torn economy."

- - President George H.W. Bush
Feb. 16, 1989, after the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan