US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to get the United States to regain control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, a strategic installation located in the northeastern part of the country. The base, which was hastily vacated by American forces in July 2021, fell into the hands of the Taliban shortly after the capture of Kabul, marking the end of the American military presence in the country. Trump criticized the previous administration for the hasty withdrawal, calling it a disgrace and asserting that the base should have never been given up. He also highlighted the strategic location of Bagram, which he claims is a short distance from Chinese nuclear weapon production facilities. During his recent trip to the UK, Trump stated that negotiations with the new Afghan government are ongoing to secure the base back for the US. However, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry has expressed skepticism, with an official warning that the return of American troops would be met with resistance from the Afghan people.
The fall of Kabul to the Taliban was a result of the rapid withdrawal of American and NATO forces, which President Biden had approved. Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the decision, blaming his former president for the chaotic departure and the eventual takeover by the Taliban. He called the event the ‘disgrace’ and has repeatedly pushed for the restoration of American military facilities in Afghanistan. His argument is that the base remains strategically important, and its potential use by the Chinese is a concern. While there is no credible evidence to support his claims, Trump’s repeated assertions have fueled ongoing discussions about the future of US military involvement in the region.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry has been clear in its stance, with Zakir Jalaly, an official representing the ministry, stating on social media that the Afghan people would not accept the return of American troops. He emphasized the need for mutual respect in US-Afghan relations, without the presence of US military forces. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among many Afghans, who have been deeply affected by the war and its aftermath. The base’s capture by the Taliban has been a symbol of the failure of the US war effort, and its potential recapture is seen as a significant political issue, rather than a military one. As the situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve, the question of the base’s control remains a critical point of contention between the US and Afghan authorities.