Are Logistical and Diplomatic Challenges Hindering US Return to Bagram?

New Delhi, Sep 19 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has once again indicated his interest in a potential return to the strategically significant Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. This comes four years after the American-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) vacated the base, located approximately 60 km north of Kabul.

Previously, Trump had hinted at this possibility, likely stemming from extensive discussions, in-depth analysis, and thorough briefings from his advisory team.

Notably, the 'Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan' was finalized with the Taliban in Doha on February 29, 2020, during Trump’s first term. The Taliban regained control of Kabul following the swift withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in 2021.

In response to Trump’s remarks, Zakir Jalaly, a Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul, stated on X, “Afghanistan and America should engage with one another and can develop economic and political ties rooted in mutual respect and shared interests, without a military presence in any part of Afghanistan.”

He further emphasized, “Military presence has historically been rejected by Afghans, and this was clearly outlined during the Doha discussions; however, we remain open to future interactions.”

For the United States, Bagram could serve as an optimal hub for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, facilitating the monitoring of South, Central, and West Asia. It would enable regional counterterrorism efforts, support airlift and refueling operations for quick regional responses, and provide a forward position to observe activities in the vicinity.

In April, reports emerged of a US military aircraft—operating under radio silence and with its transponder disabled—allegedly en route from Doha to Afghanistan. It was reportedly tracked near Bagram Air Base, fueling speculation about a possible US visit or temporary presence at the location.

These claims remain unverified, with the Taliban administration denying any transfer of Bagram or the landing of US personnel there, labeling such reports as false or mere propaganda.

Some experts have cautioned that the sightings could be misinformation or a psychological operation, highlighting flight-tracking anomalies and a lack of primary-source verification.

For the US, regaining control of Bagram would necessitate savvy diplomacy and strategic leverage; it may not solely be a return to military operations.

Meanwhile, Beijing has been discreetly monitoring the situation, with Chinese and Hong Kong media interpreting Trump’s comments as geopolitically sensitive.

The Wakhan Corridor, located in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan Province, connects China’s Xinjiang region, where the Uyghur ethnic group is seeking independence.

This autonomous region in northwest China shares borders with several Central Asian nations.

Analysts cited in regional reports warned that Beijing would perceive any renewed US military presence in Afghanistan as destabilizing for regional security and a potential escalation in US-China tensions.

The endeavor would require an investment of several billion dollars in extensive military commitments, substantial defensive and support necessities, and the continuous repair, refurbishment, and resupply of a large, isolated airbase situated in a landlocked nation.

Additionally, it would entail a complex logistical process and necessitate long-term force protection and sustainment capabilities.

Even after establishing a presence, the base would require ongoing clearance and defense of a vast perimeter to thwart rocket, mortar, and infiltration attacks from insurgents and hostile militant factions.