Donald Trump stated the United States tries to take over Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, the biggest base America used to run before leaving in 2021. He shared these opinions at a news meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, describing the 2021 exit under President Joe Biden as a complete failure. Trump claimed leaving Bagram exposed the U.S., lessening its influence in the area.
Bagram, located roughly 25 miles north of Kabul, served as the main base for U.S. military activities for twenty years. The Taliban took control when U.S. troops departed, they have held it ever since. Trump stated the base was lost for no good reason, portraying its fall as evidence of bad choices made when troops left. He stated getting control of Bagram is important to the U.S. now, but he didn’t share specific plans for how his team will do it.
Strategic Concerns Over China
Trump connected efforts regarding Bagram to rivalry with China. He pointed out the location is approximately one hour from places where China builds nuclear weapons. He believed the loss of Bagram diminished U.S. influence in Central Asia, it also allowed China greater freedom in its plans.
Trump cares less about Afghanistan, more about showing American strength in that area. Controlling Bagram allowed the U.S. to watch China, challenge Iran, also influence South Asia. He said the base is vital for challenging China’s increasing power, securing America’s military preparation.
He didn’t say what Washington will do to get the Taliban to give up the airfield, or how they will talk them into it. We haven’t found any confirmed way for countries to talk about this problem, also Taliban officials haven’t made a public statement. Experts say taking back Bagram without help from the Taliban means either giving in to their demands or increasing military force, each option presents problems.
Uncertain Path Forward
It is still uncertain whether Trump can really achieve his aim. The Taliban completely rule Afghanistan, they do not want the United States to have a presence there now. Reaching an agreement will probably require major compromises, these could be difficult for politicians to support. Trying to get the base back with military action could involve American troops in a fight the nation left behind just four years ago.
Friends of the United States are paying attention. The British government, with Prime Minister Starmer speaking for them, offered no public statement regarding the events at Bagram. Leaders in Europe are still cautious about the United States getting involved in Afghanistan again, especially if it could lead to a long war. Pakistan, Iran, China, nations with power in the area, probably see the United States going back to Bagram as a threat to what they accomplish there.
Trump’s statements show a larger plan to change things he believes Biden got wrong in dealing with other countries. He draws attention to Bagram to suggest the United States left Afghanistan carelessly, while presenting his leadership as strong, determined to restore American power. It is unclear if this will actually happen, or if it’s just talk.
Right now, the news creates more confusion than clarity. We don’t have a definite plan to get back Bagram. We haven’t verified discussions with the Taliban. Also, we don’t possess a specific strategy. Trump has stated his government thinks the region is very important for keeping the U.S. safe, also it will help when competing with China.
