Former President Donald Trump announced his administration is trying to reclaim the Trump Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. He cited its strategic proximity to where China reportedly makes its nuclear weapons.
Trump Reveals Push for Trump Bagram Airfield
Calling it “a little breaking news,” former President Donald Trump stated his administration is “trying” to get the former U.S. Bagram Airfield back from the Taliban.
Trump explained the effort, stating, “We’re trying to get it back because they need things from us.“
The primary reason given for this effort is strategic location. “We want that base back, but one of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, it’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons,” Trump said.
Criticism of Afghanistan Withdrawal Continues
The statement comes as Trump criticizes Biden Afghanistan withdrawal policies. The removal of U.S. troops began in March 2020 under a deal forged by the first Trump administration, which set a withdrawal deadline of May 1, 2021.
President Joe Biden later extended the date to August 2021. The Taliban, who had been making gains for a year, took over the country following the final withdrawal.
US Envoy Taliban Meeting Held in March
This development follows a recent US envoy Taliban meeting in March. White House hostage envoy Adam Boehler met directly with Taliban officials at the Kabul International Airport to secure the release of an American.
The March meeting was the first of its kind between a U.S. administration and the Taliban-run government since the collapse of Kabul in 2021.
Developing US Taliban Relations and Investment
The Taliban are reportedly interested in normalizing US Taliban relations. This interest persists despite facing a virtual geopolitical blackout over immense human rights abuses.
A Taliban statement noted that discussions with U.S. envoys included ways to “develop bilateral relations between the two countries, issues related to citizens, and investment opportunities in Afghanistan.“
