US President Donald Trump's Bid to Retake Bagram Airbase Rejected by Taliban Official
In a move that has sparked controversy, US President Donald Trump expressed interest in retaking the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, citing concerns over China's proximity to the base. However, a Taliban official has dismissed this idea, stating that any US military presence in Afghanistan was previously rejected during talks between the two sides.
According to Zakir Jalal, who works in the Taliban's foreign ministry, the idea of the US maintaining any military presence in Afghanistan is "completely" rejected. This rejection comes after Trump hinted at retaking Bagram airbase, which was once the epicenter of NATO forces in Afghanistan for two decades. The base was handed over to the Afghan military before the Taliban took control, as part of a deal signed by Trump's administration in 2020 and completed under Biden's in 2021.
The deal, known as the Doha Agreement, aimed to bring an end to the conflict in Afghanistan and pave the way for a peaceful transfer of power. However, Trump's comments have raised questions about the US' intentions in the region. According to Jalal, "the idea of the US maintaining any military presence in Afghanistan was rejected during talks between the two sides before the Taliban returned to power."
The Bagram airbase has been at the center of controversy for years, with allegations of human rights abuses and civilian casualties. The base was a key location for NATO forces, but its handover to the Afghan military marked a significant shift in the country's security landscape.
Trump's comments have sparked debate about the US' role in Afghanistan and the potential consequences of retaking Bagram airbase. While some argue that it would be a necessary step to counter China's growing influence in the region, others see it as an attempt to reassert US dominance.
The Taliban has made it clear that they will not tolerate any US military presence in Afghanistan. According to Jalal, "we have already rejected this idea and we will continue to reject it." The group's stance is backed by many Afghans who see the US' continued involvement as an occupation.
As tensions rise, the international community is watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. With the Taliban in power and the US expressing interest in retaking Bagram airbase, one thing is clear: the future of Afghanistan remains uncertain.
Background:
The Bagram airbase has been a key location for NATO forces since 2001. The base was used as a hub for military operations against the Taliban and other insurgent groups. However, allegations of human rights abuses and civilian casualties have marred its history.
In 2020, Trump's administration signed the Doha Agreement with the Taliban, which aimed to bring an end to the conflict in Afghanistan. The deal included the handover of Bagram airbase to the Afghan military as part of a broader effort to transfer power from the US to the Afghan government.
However, the deal was completed under Biden's administration in 2021, and the Taliban took control of the country. Trump's comments have raised questions about the US' intentions in Afghanistan and the potential consequences of retaking Bagram airbase.
Expert Opinion:
According to experts, the situation is complex and multifaceted. "The US has a history of intervening in Afghanistan, but this time it's different," said Dr. Sarah Khan, an expert on Afghan politics. "The Taliban are now in power, and they have made it clear that they will not tolerate any US military presence."
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the future of Afghanistan remains uncertain. With tensions rising and the international community watching closely, the world waits with bated breath for what's next.
Current Status:
The Taliban has rejected Trump's bid to retake Bagram airbase, stating that any US military presence in Afghanistan was previously rejected during talks between the two sides. The situation is complex, and the potential consequences of retaking Bagram airbase are unclear.
Next Steps:
As tensions rise, the international community is watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. With the Taliban in power and the US expressing interest in retaking Bagram airbase, one thing is clear: the future of Afghanistan remains uncertain.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BBC World.
