Bagram airbase buzz: Is the US eyeing a comeback in Afghanistan?
Recent activities around Afghanistan’s Bagram Airbase have triggered speculation about a possible return of the United States to this strategically vital site. Although both the Taliban and U.S. officials have denied any handover or reoccupation, the arrival of American cargo planes and intelligence personnel has fueled curiosity about Washington’s evolving stance on Afghanistan.
Why Bagram Matters
Located north of Kabul, Bagram Airbase was once the core of U.S. and NATO operations in Afghanistan. With its vast infrastructure, it functioned like a self-sufficient city—supporting surveillance, counterterrorism missions, and logistical operations. Its location makes it a prime spot for military oversight in Central and South Asia.
Why the U.S. Might Be Interested Again
1. Counterterrorism Concerns: The re-emergence of extremist groups like ISIS-K and Al Qaeda could be prompting the U.S. to re-establish a foothold to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist haven. Bagram’s facilities offer a ready-made base for surveillance and rapid response.
2. Geopolitical Chessboard: Afghanistan borders key global players—China, Iran, and Russia. Reasserting presence in Bagram could be part of a broader U.S. strategy to check the growing influence of these rivals in the region.
3. Intelligence Objectives: The presence of high-ranking CIA officials indicates that the U.S. may be using Bagram for covert intelligence activities. Monitoring Taliban rule and foreign involvement in the region could be key objectives.
4. Humanitarian Justification: Although less likely, the U.S. might frame its presence as a stabilizing or humanitarian effort. However, doing so would require cooperation with the Taliban, which remains a political challenge.
Risks and Ramifications
- Taliban Opposition: The Taliban views Bagram as a symbol of their regained sovereignty. Any foreign military return could provoke serious backlash and destabilize relations.
- Regional Tensions: U.S. re-engagement could worry neighboring countries like Iran, China, and Pakistan, who might see it as a threat, potentially worsening regional tensions.
- Backlash at Home: The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 drew intense criticism. Any attempt to re-establish military presence could reignite domestic political debates and public opposition.
Final Thoughts
Though the reasons behind renewed U.S. activity at Bagram remain uncertain, the base’s strategic relevance makes it a potential centerpiece of future American actions in the region. Whether the goal is to fight terrorism, spy on adversaries, or reassert geopolitical influence, any U.S. move on Bagram will come with serious consequences—and must be handled with caution.
(The author Girish Linganna of this article is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him, at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)
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