ISLAMABAD: The possibility of the Afghan Taliban agreeing to hand overcontrol of the strategic Bagram Airbase to the United States has emerged asa significant development in regional geopolitics following recentstatements by former US Special Representative for Afghanistan ZalmayKhalilzad. In an exclusive interview with Tolo News, Khalilzad indicatedthat negotiations could resolve the issue of Bagram, potentially allowingAmerican personnel for protection purposes if threats persist or if a USembassy resumes operations in Kabul. This revelation has sparked intensespeculation about a potential shift in US-Taliban relations more than fouryears after the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Thecomments come against the backdrop of ongoing US drone activities in Afghanairspace justified as self-defense measures to prevent future attacksoriginating from the country.
Khalilzad defended ongoing US drone flights over Afghanistan by emphasizingthat these operations are strictly for self-defense to ensure no threatsemerge against the United States from Afghan territory again. He pointedout that while the Taliban have repeatedly claimed they will not permitAfghan soil to be used against any other nation, they cannot guarantee withabsolute certainty that no individuals or groups within the country harborsuch intentions. This assessment highlights the persistent concerns overresidual terrorist elements including those affiliated with al-Qaeda orIslamic State Khorasan Province despite the Taliban’s assertions of controlover security matters. The former envoy’s remarks underscore the delicatebalance between sovereignty claims and practical counterterrorismnecessities in the post-withdrawal era.
The discussion on Bagram Airbase centered on the feasibility of dialogue toaddress US interests at the facility which once served as the largestAmerican military installation in Afghanistan. Khalilzad noted that theTaliban possess the capacity to engage in talks with Washington on thismatter drawing parallels to the Doha negotiations where initiallyintractable issues were eventually resolved through persistent diplomacy.He clarified that the Taliban’s public stance against allowing foreignforces to occupy even an inch of Afghan land does not preclude arrangementssuch as negotiated access or joint use particularly in scenarios involvingmutual security benefits or embassy protection. This nuanced interpretationhas fueled debates over whether pragmatic concessions could pave the wayfor limited US involvement without full military reoccupation.
Pakistan has been directly implicated in the broader conversation asKhalilzad advised Islamabad to pursue resolution of its disputes with theAfghan Taliban through sustained dialogue. This recommendation arrives at atime when Pakistan has faced repeated terrorist attacks attributed togroups operating from Afghan territory including the Tehrik-i-TalibanPakistan. Khalilzad acknowledged Pakistan’s position as one of the mostaffected nations since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021 yet stressedthat confrontation risks escalation while dialogue offers the only viablepath forward. His counsel reflects a recognition of the interconnectedsecurity challenges across the Durand Line where cross-border militancycontinues to strain bilateral ties despite multiple rounds of talks.
The strategic importance of Bagram cannot be overstated given its locationin Parwan province north of Kabul and its historical role in supportingextensive air operations during the two-decade US presence. Reports fromvarious sources including flight tracking data and media analyses haveperiodically suggested possible limited activities or discussions aroundthe base though official Taliban statements have consistently denied anyhandover or foreign military return. Khalilzad’s optimistic view onnegotiations contrasts with repeated Taliban rejections of US demandsincluding those articulated by President Donald Trump who has describedBagram as vital due to its proximity to regional powers andcounterterrorism requirements.
These developments raise critical questions about the future trajectory ofUS engagement in Afghanistan particularly in the context ofcounterterrorism cooperation. While the Taliban maintain their commitmentto preventing threats from their soil the persistence of drone operationsindicates unresolved trust deficits between the parties. Khalilzad’semphasis on dialogue as demonstrated in past Doha accords suggests thatincremental agreements remain possible even on sensitive issues like baseaccess or airspace usage. However any progress would require significantconcessions from both sides amid ongoing regional pressures from actorsincluding neighboring states.
The interview also highlights the evolving dynamics in US-Talibaninteractions which have shifted from outright hostility to pragmaticdiscussions on specific issues such as prisoner exchanges and potentialeconomic ties. Analysts observe that such engagements could signal abroader recalibration of relations driven by shared interests in stabilityand countering mutual adversaries. Yet the path remains fraught withchallenges as public Taliban rhetoric continues to prioritize absolutesovereignty while US priorities focus on threat mitigation.
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In conclusion the prospect of Bagram Airbase becoming a subject of seriousnegotiations represents a potential turning point in Afghanistan’spost-2021 landscape. Whether these talks materialize into tangible outcomeswill depend on the willingness of all stakeholders to prioritize dialogueover confrontation in addressing deep-seated security concerns.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KML3quH7Cg
Tags: Afghanistan, United States, Taliban, Bagram Airbase, Zalmay Khalilzad
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