Donald Trump’s contradictory statements about reclaiming Bagram Airbase reflect a deeper manifestation of Washington’s colonial mindset and geopolitical ambitions in Central Asia.
The U.S. president, who initially claimed efforts were underway to retake the base and later spoke of negotiations with the Taliban, has faced a resolute response from Kabul authorities.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, issued a sharp and unequivocal statement, emphasizing that “Afghanistan is not a country that will accept any form of aggression.”
This stance goes beyond a mere diplomatic reaction, showcasing the Taliban’s profound understanding of regional power dynamics and their determination to preserve national sovereignty.
Historical analysis reveals that Bagram Airbase was originally established through cooperation between Afghanistan and the Soviet Union, leaving the U.S. with no historical or legal claim to it.
This reality renders Trump’s claims baseless and exposes the imperialist nature of Washington’s perspective on Afghanistan’s resources and infrastructure.
Bagram’s strategic importance, due to its geographic proximity to China’s nuclear facilities and other sensitive regional sites, is the primary motivation behind Trump’s desire to reestablish a military presence there.
Additionally, Bagram’s extensive runways and strategic location have drawn Trump’s attention in recent years. This interest is part of a broader U.S. strategy to counter the growing influence of China and Russia in Central Asia.
However, the regional balance of power has shifted in a way that makes a U.S. military return to Afghanistan highly unlikely, as it would face strong opposition from major regional powers.
China and Russia, which view their vital interests in the region, will not permit the reestablishment of U.S. forces.
The humiliating U.S. defeat in August 2021 and the hasty withdrawal from Kabul marked a new chapter in Afghanistan’s history, rendering a return to the past impossible.
The Taliban, bolstered by regional support, holds significant negotiating power and will not accept hosting foreign forces again.
Ultimately, the discussion around Bagram is more indicative of America’s nostalgia for its era of hegemony than a feasible or practical plan.
The Afghan people, who have borne the cost of four decades of U.S. interventions, have no desire for a renewed American military presence, and the current government must not yield to such demands from the U.S.
Farhad Panahi, Journalist – Zharfa News Agency
