Former US President Donald Trump has reiterated his intention to regain control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan if he wins the upcoming presidential election. During a recent rally, he criticized the Biden administration’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan and emphasized the strategic importance of Bagram due to its proximity to China.
Kabul 24: Trump argued that the location of Bagram Air Base is crucial for US interests, particularly concerning China. He stated, “We wanted to keep this base because of China, not because of Afghanistan. It was only an hour away from China’s nuclear facilities.” He lamented the loss of this significant military asset, claiming it represented an “irreparable loss” for the United States and criticized the withdrawal process as “shameful” and poorly executed.
A Potential Trade Deal with the Taliban
In a surprising twist, Trump suggested that regaining control of Bagram could be negotiated through a trade deal with the Taliban. He expressed confidence in retrieving the base, saying, “But we’ll get it back. Maybe we’ll get it back as part of a trade deal. Give us back that damn airport.” This statement reflects his belief that diplomatic negotiations could yield favorable outcomes despite the Taliban’s current stance against foreign military presence in Afghanistan.
Criticism of Biden’s Withdrawal Strategy
Trump did not hold back in his criticism of President Biden’s handling of the withdrawal, asserting that had he been in office, he would have maintained control over Bagram. He claimed that under his administration, there would have been no abandonment of such a strategically vital location. This sentiment echoes a broader Republican critique regarding the chaotic nature of the US exit from Afghanistan and its implications for national security.
While Trump’s remarks have sparked discussions among his supporters, officials from the Islamic Emirate have consistently denied any possibility of allowing foreign military bases on Afghan soil.
