President Donald Trump has announced plans for the United States to retake control of a significant Afghan airbase near Kabul, aiming to keep a vigilant eye on China. But practically speaking, what could America gain from this move, even if the Taliban agrees to it? Let's delve into the details.
First, let's discuss Bagram Airbase
Imagine this base as a small city, slightly smaller than Shimla. Spanning over 3,300 acres, Bagram Airbase was once the largest and busiest U.S. military outpost in Afghanistan. Its main runway stretches over seven kilometers. At its peak, around 40,000 military personnel and civilian contractors were stationed here.
Source: aajtak
This strategic military facility spearheaded operations against the Taliban across Afghanistan. However, in July 2021, the U.S. and its Western allies withdrew as the Taliban swiftly overran government forces. Finally, on August 15, 2021, the Taliban seized the Afghan capital, Kabul.
Source: aajtak
What is America's objective?
During a press conference in London with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump stated on Thursday that the U.S. wishes to reestablish its presence in Bagram to monitor China. However, according to an analysis based on data from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, there is no established nuclear site within a 1,000-kilometer radius of Bagram Airbase.
Nonetheless, a 2020 analysis by India Today's Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) team indicates a potential Chinese nuclear facility in Kashgar, roughly 700 kilometers from Bagram by air distance.
Source: aajtak
A U.S. official told Reuters that there are no 'active plans' to retake Bagram Airbase. He mentioned, 'I don't think it's practically feasible.' Protecting such a large airbase from threats like ISIS and al-Qaeda would be a formidable challenge.
The official further stated that retaking and maintaining Bagram would necessitate thousands of troops. Renovating the base would incur substantial costs, and logistical supply would be a major challenge, given it would be an isolated U.S. military outpost in a landlocked country.
Source: aajtak
Even if the U.S. recaptures the base, clearing and securing the perimeter is essential to prevent enemy rocket attacks. A former senior U.S. defense official has also downplayed the base's advantages. He remarked that Trump's statements about being closer to China were exaggerated, and asserted, 'I don't think there'd be significant military benefits from our presence there. The risks far outweigh the benefits.'
Taliban's stance
The Taliban, who govern Afghanistan, have clearly stated they will not cede Bagram Airbase to the U.S. According to TOLO News, the Taliban has dismissed this possibility.
Zakir Jalali, the second political director at the Taliban's foreign ministry, wrote in his post that Afghanistan and the U.S. should engage in dialogue and build mutual economic and political relations based on respect and shared interests, 'but without any American military presence.'
