The global landscape is marked by escalating conflicts, from Sudan and the Middle East to the Russia-Ukraine war. South Asia could be the site of the next escalation. Former US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Afghanistan, stating that the country will face dire consequences if it does not meet his conditions concerning the Bagram Airbase.
Trump’s warning is likely to escalate tensions as the Taliban has already dismissed his initial demand. Trump’s Truth Social post stated, “If Afghanistan doesn’t return Bagram Air Base to the ones who built it, the United States, bad things will happen.”
Trump has previously expressed interest in reinstating a US military presence at Bagram Air Base, which the Taliban took control of after the 2021 US withdrawal. Following discussions with Afghanistan on the matter, the Taliban issued a statement rejecting his demand, fueling speculation about potential forceful action by the US and a possible return to conflict.