Reactions to Trump’s Statements on Bagram: Opponents’ Excitement and Taliban’s Soft Tone

Kokcha News Agency – Donald Trump, during his election campaign, has repeatedly criticized President Joe Biden for the “chaotic withdrawal” from Afghanistan, accusing him of incompetence and bringing shame to U.S. history. Trump has consistently claimed that had he been in power during the withdrawal, he would have retained control of Bagram Air Base. In his latest statement, Trump reiterated his intention to reclaim Bagram and revealed that he has been in talks with the Taliban.

These remarks have not only raised concerns among countries like China but have also sparked widespread reactions among Afghan politicians and citizens. Many Afghans have criticized the Taliban for engaging in talks about the potential return of U.S. military presence, accusing the group of hypocrisy given their history of suicide attacks and bombings that killed thousands of Afghans and destroyed public infrastructure over the past two decades.

Some Taliban officials have confirmed that such discussions are ongoing, describing Trump as a “good negotiator.”

During a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week, Trump stated, “We are trying to get Bagram Air Base back.” He added, “They [the Taliban] want something from us, and we want that base.”

Trump has repeatedly emphasized that one of the reasons for wanting Bagram is its proximity to a location where China allegedly produces nuclear weapons. He expressed frustration that the issue remains unresolved.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration is negotiating with the Taliban to facilitate a limited U.S. military return to Bagram. Adam Boehler, who recently traveled to Afghanistan with Zalmay Khalilzad, is leading these talks. The negotiations are part of a broader package that includes prisoner exchanges, a potential economic agreement, and security cooperation.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. envoy for Afghanistan, confirmed that if the issue of prisoners and hostages between the U.S. and the Taliban is resolved, it could pave the way for further agreements. He also mentioned the potential use of Bagram for joint counterterrorism efforts but noted that this would require more work.

Reactions from Taliban Opponents and Social Media Users

Some Afghan analysts and experts on social media have offered differing views. Some see the potential U.S. presence in Bagram as the Taliban’s bargaining chip to consolidate power, while others interpret the Taliban’s acceptance of such a move as a sign of internal collapse and the “discrediting of their jihadist narrative.”

Marshall Abdul Rashid Dostum’s spokesperson has indicated that Dostum is ready to reclaim not only Bagram but all of Afghanistan with U.S. support.

Mohammad Akram Andishmand, an analyst, criticized the opposition’s stance, stating that Trump and the U.S. are engaging with the Taliban to keep China at bay, not to listen to the opposition or Dostum’s call to fight.

Nabi Saqi, a researcher at Oxford University, noted that Trump’s statements were clear: “The Taliban need us, and we will meet their needs and take back Bagram.” He added that Trump’s remarks did not signal any green light to the opposition or resistance fronts.

Abdulhaq Dehqanzada, a Facebook user, suggested that the world today is one of give-and-take, and a path to understanding between the Taliban and the U.S. might be found, though it would not be easy given the issue’s sensitivity for the Taliban.

Bashir Ahmad Tehinj, a senior member of the National Movement Party, stated that the only way to reclaim Bagram is through cooperation with Marshall Dostum, emphasizing that Dostum’s leadership could lead to the liberation of Bagram and Afghanistan.

Reactions from China and Pakistan

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded to Trump’s remarks by stating, “China respects Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Afghanistan’s future should be in the hands of its people. We call on all parties to play a constructive role in ensuring regional peace and stability.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, said that the issue is a matter between Afghanistan and the U.S., and Pakistan has no comment on it.

Taliban’s Response

Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister, has previously stated that the group does not accept the military presence of any country on Afghan soil. He emphasized, “Not even an inch of Afghan soil will be allowed for foreign military presence. This message should reach President Trump and other countries.”

Zakir Jalali, an aide to Muttaqi, described Trump as a successful businessman and negotiator, framing his remarks about Bagram as part of a potential deal. He added that while the Taliban and the U.S. need to engage, any U.S. military presence in Afghanistan is unacceptable.

Salahuddin Salar, a Tajik Taliban commander, warned that any deal on Bagram would change Afghanistan’s