Saptrishi Soni: The news is coming that the United States may be quietly exploring the reactivation of the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, a development that could significantly reshape the region’s political and security dynamics. Situated north of Kabul, Bagram has long been recognized as one of the world’s most strategically important military installations. Originally constructed during the Cold War, it served as a pivotal hub for Soviet operations during their occupation of Afghanistan and later became the cornerstone of US military efforts during the two-decade-long conflict that followed the events of 2001.
Bagram’s significance lies not merely in its location but in its infrastructure — boasting two massive runways built to accommodate the heaviest military aircraft, fortified perimeters, and facilities capable of supporting a large and sustained military presence. Its strategic value is unparalleled in the region, offering a direct line of sight into Central Asia, Iran, and China. For any nation seeking to monitor or project power across this sensitive geopolitical corridor, Bagram stands as an irreplaceable asset.
Recent reports suggest that after years of disengagement, American aircraft have once again touched down at Bagram, transporting equipment, military vehicles, and senior intelligence officials. Though officially denied by local authorities, this activity points to a renewed American interest in maintaining a foothold in Afghanistan. The move comes at a time when the broader global order is shifting, and Washington appears to be recalibrating its approach towards the region amidst growing competition with other global powers.
If the United States does indeed re-establish operations at Bagram, it would mark a significant shift not just in military posture but also in diplomatic relations with Afghanistan’s current ruling establishment. For the leadership in Kabul, engaging with Washington offers the possibility of political legitimacy, economic support, and potential access to billions of dollars in frozen assets held overseas. For the United States, securing access to Bagram could provide an essential outpost to monitor security threats, manage regional stability, and counter the influence of rival nations.
The implications of such a development are profound. A renewed US presence at Bagram could serve as a deterrent to extremist groups seeking to exploit Afghanistan’s fragile situation. It could also help to stabilize the broader region by offering the international community a partner in managing the humanitarian and security crises that continue to plague the country. However, this shift could also ignite internal tensions within Afghanistan’s power structures, many of whom have long opposed any foreign military footprint on their soil.
For Washington, the decision to re-engage through Bagram appears to be a strategic necessity rather than a mere military maneuver. The region’s complex web of threats, alliances, and shifting loyalties demands a stable and secure platform from which to operate. As both sides navigate this delicate courtship, the revival of Bagram could set new parameters for the relationship between Afghanistan and the United States — moving from an era marked by conflict and withdrawal to one shaped by cautious cooperation and mutual strategic interests.
While official confirmations remain elusive and denials continue to be issued, the very possibility of Bagram’s reactivation suggests that the past is far from forgotten, and the future of Afghanistan’s relationship with the United States is being quietly rewritten — one runway at a time.
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