Former U.S. President Donald Trump is once again focused on Bagram Air Base. This military base was once the heart of American operations in Afghanistan. 

Now, Trump wants it back. His renewed demands come as the Taliban government in Kabul firmly rejects any talk of returning the base. This situation highlights a major disagreement between the former U.S. leader and the current Afghan rulers.

Bagram holds significant strategic value. Its location in Afghanistan makes it important for power and influence in the wider region. 

Trump has warned that "very bad things" could happen if the base is not returned to the United States. This strong message has created tension and raised questions about the future of this key military site. 

Understanding the history of Bagram and the reasons behind both sides' positions helps explain why this base is so important.

Taliban's Firm Refusal

The Taliban government in Kabul has made its position very clear: they will not hand over Bagram Air Base. Fasi Houdin Fitrat, the chief of staff for Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense, spoke strongly against the idea. 

He stated that some people want to reclaim the base through a political deal. However, he stressed that "a deal over even an inch of Afghanistan soil is not possible."

This statement highlights a core belief of the Taliban government. They see the base as part of Afghanistan's national territory. 

Giving it up would go against their principles of independence. The Afghan government also issued an official statement. It warned that Afghanistan's independence and territorial integrity are extremely important. This means they will protect their borders and control over their land.

The Taliban-led foreign ministry has rejected the idea of handing the base to Washington D.C. They believe that both countries need to engage without any U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.

 This condition is crucial for them to consider any discussions. Their refusal is not just about Bagram. It reflects a broader stance against foreign military presence on Afghan soil.

Threats from the Taliban

The rhetoric from the Taliban has been very strong.Tajir Jawad, the general directorate of intelligence for the Taliban, issued a powerful warning. 

Jawad is a senior member of the Haqqani network.

He became the deputy intelligence chief after the Taliban took power in August 2021.

Jawad warned they would do so again if it was necessary to preserve their rule. This threat shows the Taliban's willingness to use extreme measures to protect what they see as their sovereignty. Such statements underline the intensity of their resistance to any demands for Bagram.

Trump's Demands and Warnings

Former President Donald Trump has been very direct in his demands for Bagram Air Base. He has used his social media platform, Truth Social, to press the Afghan government. In one post, Trump said "very bad things could happen" if Bagram is not returned to the U.S. This warning shows his serious intent to regain control of the base.

Trump has claimed that the U.S. built Bagram. While the U.S. greatly expanded it, the Soviet Union originally built the base in 1950. This historical detail is important. It shows the long history of the base before the U.S. presence.

During a recent visit to the UK, Donald Trump spoke more about Bagram. He said that talks are underway for control of the base. He suggested that the Taliban might be willing to give up the base. According to Trump, they want "things from the U.S." He also commented on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it a "total disaster." He added that the U.S. should have left with "strength and dignity" and kept Bagram.

Trump views Bagram as "one of the biggest air bases in the world." He believes the U.S. "gave it to them for nothing" and is now trying to get it back. 

His focus on Bagram suggests he sees it as a key asset that the U.S. should control. His strategy appears to be a mix of pressure and negotiation, hoping to leverage the Taliban's needs to regain the base.

The Strategic Importance of Bagram

Bagram Air Base is not just any military installation. Its location gives it immense strategic value. Analysts agree that Bagram is a critical point in the region. Its position makes it useful for monitoring several key areas.

One major reason for its importance is its closeness to China. Bagram is about an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons. 

The flight distance from Bagram to China's Lo Nuclear test range is 2,000 kilometers. 

This proximity means that having Bagram would give the U.S. a strategic advantage for surveillance and intelligence gathering on China's nuclear activities.

Bagram also holds value regarding Iran.

The distance from Bagram to Tehran, Iran's capital, is 1,650 kilometers. 

This distance makes the base useful for addressing issues or concerns related to Iran. It provides a platform for monitoring and potential operations in that direction.

The base also impacts relations with Pakistan.

The distance between Bagram Air Base and Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, is 400 kilometers.

 This close distance gives the U.S. a strong presence in Pakistan's airspace. Such control could be useful for regional stability and security operations.

Finally, Bagram is also relatively close to India. It sits at a distance of 1,000 kilometers from New Delhi, India's capital. This adds another layer to its regional significance. Its location affects geopolitical dynamics across South Asia and the Middle East.

Some Expert's View on Bagram's Value

Some Expert's and journalist and author shared their insights on Bagram's importance. Experts explained that the Americans want to use Bagram for surveillance. 

They also want to control Iran they believe could threaten israel and west stability. This means the U.S. sees the base as vital for attacks on Iran. It could help them watch over and act against Iran.

Conclusion: An Unresolved Challenge

The future of Bagram Air Base remains uncertain. Donald Trump's strong demands face the Taliban government's firm refusal. 

The base's rich history and vital strategic location make it a central point of contention. Its potential use for monitoring major global powers like China and Iran Pakistan,  makes it highly coveted.

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