Amidst ongoing global conflicts, including those in Sudan and the Middle East, and the Russia-Ukraine war, a new potential flashpoint might emerge in South Asia, with former US President Donald Trump at the center. Trump issued a warning to Afghanistan regarding the control of the Bagram Airbase, suggesting that adverse consequences would follow if Kabul fails to meet his demands.
This warning is likely to provoke the Afghan Taliban, who have already rejected Trump’s demand. On Truth Social, Trump stated, “If Afghanistan does not give back Bagram Air Base to those who built it, meaning the United States, bad things will happen.”
Trump previously indicated an intention to re-establish a US military presence at Bagram Air Base, which the Taliban seized control of after the US military withdrawal in 2021. Following Trump’s discussions with Afghanistan on the matter, the Taliban issued a statement rejecting his demand. This warning raises concerns about potential forceful action by Trump to reintroduce US forces into Afghanistan, potentially leading to renewed conflict in the region.