U.S. troops potential redeployment to Afghan bases, according to Trump, due to strategic position vis-a-vis China adversary
In a recent development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested reestablishing a U.S. presence at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Trump, who has been critical of the current administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, linked this proposal to the need to counter China, a significant economic and military competitor.
The U.S. aircraft's departure from Afghanistan last week marked the end of the 20-year conflict, but the Taliban's hold on the country has been fraught with economic crisis, issues with international legitimacy, internal rifts, and rival militant groups. The Taliban government has not publicly confirmed any new conversations with the U.S. regarding a return to Afghanistan.
Bagram Air Base, central to America's longest war, is approximately an hour away from where China manufactures its nuclear weapons, according to Trump. He emphasized the strategic value of the base, stating that its reopening could potentially provide the U.S. with a crucial position to monitor and counter China's activities.
Trump's proposal, however, has not been met with immediate support. The White House and Pentagon have not publicly acknowledged any planning around returning to Bagram Air Base. The White House did not immediately respond to questions about whether it or the Pentagon has done any planning around returning to Bagram Air Base.
Meanwhile, thousands of desperate Afghans descended on Kabul's airport in search of a way out, as the U.S.-backed Afghan government collapsed during the withdrawal. The Taliban may consider allowing the U.S. military to return to Bagram Air Base, but any decision would likely be influenced by their need for resources from the U.S.
The AP article was written by Madhani and Toropin. The Taliban's rejection of Trump's proposal for American troops to return to Bagram Air Base is a clear indication of the complexities and challenges involved in any potential U.S. return to Afghanistan. The future of U.S.-Taliban relations remains uncertain, as both parties navigate the aftermath of the withdrawal and the ongoing power struggle in Afghanistan.
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