Pakistan to hugely benefit from Trump’s keen desire to recapture Afghanistan’s Bagram Airbase; change power dynamics in South Asia

New Delhi: US President Doland Trump has expressed his desire to take control of Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan. He has clearly stated that the Taliban should hand over the base to the US military. Trump has even threatened dire consequences if the Taliban refuses. The Trump administration is using this base to strengthen its position in the region against China, Iran, and Russia.

Advantage Pakistan

However, Pakistan is the most important country for the US in this regard. Pakistan can become a stepping stone for the USA to reach Bagram. Pakistan knows this and will certainly take advantage of this.

News18, citing sources, said in its report that Doland Trump recently met with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. He has also been seen praising Munir on several occasions. This shows that the US prioritises the Pakistani military on the Kabul issue. Trump’s actions demonstrate that the US still views Pakistan as the entrance gate to Afghanistan.

Huge benefits for Pakistan

Bagram’s geographical location makes its airbase ideal for monitoring Tibet, Xinjiang, and China’s western nuclear and missile installations. Consequently, the US views its return to Bagram as a way to build deterrence capabilities across the region. Through Bagram, the US is attempting to re-establish its credibility in the region.

If the US, in its attempt to regain lost ground in 2021, accesses Bagram through Pakistan, the Pakistani government and military will take full advantage. In particular, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir will receive military equipment and assistance from the US. Islamabad will also expect support from the US on global platforms.

Taliban’s no-nonsense message to Trump

The Taliban has strongly opposed US control of Bagram and has threatened war. The Taliban has made it clear that it does not want any US entry into Afghanistan. The Taliban’s strong resistance to Trump means that the US cannot gain control of Bagram without Pakistan’s assistance or without splitting the Taliban, thus creating new factions.

Resuming the US military presence in Bagram would clearly shift the power dynamics in the region toward the US-Pakistan alliance. Furthermore, US reliance on the Pakistani military for Bagram would provide Islamabad with international legitimacy. This would benefit it in strengthening its narrative on global platforms.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pakistan will hugely benefit from Doland Trump’s keen desire to recapture Afghanistan’s Bagram Airbase.
• A possible US-Pakistan alliance in South Asia will change power dynamics.
• Doland Trump has clearly stated that the Taliban should hand over the base to the US military.
• Trump has even threatened dire consequences if the Taliban refuses.

Pakistan is the most important country for the US in this regard. Pakistan can become a stepping stone for the USA to reach Bagram. Pakistan knows this and will certainly take advantage of this.