Former President of the United States, Donald Trump, issued a public warning on Saturday via his social media platform, Truth Social, demanding that Afghanistan return the Bagram Air Base to U.S. control. "If Afghanistan doesn't return the Bagram Air Base to us, the ones who built it, the United States, BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN!" he declared.
Earlier in the week, on Thursday, Trump had already signaled his intent to regain control of this strategic military site during a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, concluding his official visit to the United Kingdom. "We're trying to get it back," he stated, emphasizing Bagram's strategic significance due to its proximity to China.
As one of the largest air bases in the world, Bagram served as the hub for U.S. operations in Afghanistan for two decades. However, in August 2021, amidst a chaotic withdrawal orchestrated by then-President Joe Biden, the base was abandoned and subsequently fell under Taliban control.
Afghan government officials and Taliban representatives have dismissed any possibility of the U.S. re-establishing a military presence in the country, though they have expressed openness to other forms of cooperation, provided Afghan sovereignty is respected.
Trump's Critique of Biden's Afghanistan Strategy
Trump seized the opportunity to criticize Biden's handling of the Afghanistan situation, labeling it a "total disaster" that, in his view, emboldened Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine in 2022. "We were going to leave Afghanistan, but with strength and dignity. We were going to keep Bagram. We gave it away for nothing," the Republican leader stated.
On his return flight to Washington, Trump reiterated that the base "should never have been handed over," describing it as one of the most powerful installations in the world. "Anything can land there, even a planet," he humorously added.
Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy
Trump's demand to reclaim Bagram signals a shift in U.S. foreign policy, with a clear focus on curbing China's influence and re-establishing American military power in Central Asia. Despite this, the Pentagon has not confirmed any formal plans to retake the base.
Key Questions About Bagram Air Base and U.S. Foreign Policy
Why is Bagram Air Base strategically important?
Bagram Air Base is strategically important due to its proximity to China and its role as a major hub for U.S. military operations in Central Asia.
What was the impact of the U.S. withdrawal from Bagram?
The withdrawal led to the base falling under Taliban control and has been criticized as part of a broader "disaster" in U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Has the Pentagon confirmed plans to retake Bagram?
As of now, the Pentagon has not confirmed any formal plans to retake Bagram Air Base.