New Delhi: The war of words between Afghanistan’s Taliban government and America regarding Bagram Airbase has intensified. Taliban’s Information and Culture Minister Muhajir Farahi has mocked US President Donald Trump’s statement about recapture of Bagram Air Base. He said that Trump can achieve this base only in his dreams.
Farahi said in clear words that the old base of the US Army is now under the control of Taliban and will remain there in future also. Trump has been saying in public forums for some time that Bagram Air Base is strategically important for America and it should be withdrawn. After this reply of the Taliban minister, the verbal tension between the two countries has increased further.
Why is Bagram Airbase so important?
Bagram Airbase is located north of Kabul. It was first built by Soviet Russia. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the US Army made it one of its largest military bases in Afghanistan. In August 2021, when America returned from Afghanistan, the Taliban captured this airbase. Trump argues that this base is close to China, hence it is very important for America’s security and regional surveillance. That’s why he keeps repeating the idea of getting it back.
Pakistan also warned
Let us tell you that Farahi has also taken Pakistan to task in his statement. He said that Afghanistan is capable of giving a befitting reply to any external attack and will protect its sovereignty at all costs. For the last few days, tension has increased on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Afghanistan alleges that 38 civilians have been killed and 163 people have been injured in Pakistan’s air strikes, including women and children. Pakistan has rejected these allegations and said that it targeted only terrorist hideouts and 29 terrorists were killed in these attacks.
What did Farahi say on relations with India?
Amidst tension with Pakistan, Taliban has also made its stand clear regarding India. Farahi said that Afghanistan’s foreign policy is made only keeping the national interest in mind. He said, "Historically we have had good relations with India. No one can tell us who we should be friends with and who we should not.
We want trade and good relations with India." At present, the rhetoric between America and Taliban regarding Bagram Airbase is intense. At the same time, due to Pakistan-Afghanistan tension in the region and increasing proximity with India, new equations seem to be forming in the politics of South Asia.
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