The UAE has been gradually increasing...

Editor's note: ...its relationship with the Taliban since the group's return to power in 2021. While not fully recognizing the Taliban, the UAE has hosted Taliban officials for diplomatic talks, sent humanitarian aid, and secured infrastructure contracts in Afghanistan, such as managing airports. This pragmatic approach is driven by a mix of geopolitical strategy, economic interests, and humanitarian concerns, as the UAE aims to stabilize Afghanistan and assert its influence in the region. However, these dealings have sparked controversy, with critics pointing to the risk of indirectly funding the Taliban and legitimizing their rule, despite the UAE's claims of focusing on humanitarian aid and security cooperation. By engaging Afghanistan, the UAE gains a presence right on Iran's eastern flank, which can serve as a pressure point in Gulf–Iran competition (Afghanistan: Sunni-led; Iran: Shia-led). The UAE controlling airports in Afghanistan could conflict with President Trump's suggestion that the U.S. take over Bagram Air Base, especially from a strategic and geopolitical standpoint. The real concern here is that with the Taliban stationing fighters on Iran's border, the UAE courting Kabul's new bosses, and Trump openly talking of retaking Bagram increasingly looks less like a war ended and more like a launchpad (with billions in US military equipment left to the Taliban) being readied for pressure — and possibly conflict — with Tehran. It's possible what we are seeing is the Taliban could be used as proxies, but there are strong limits, risks, and political costs that make that outcome uncertain rather than inevitable.

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Trump Wants Bagram Airfield Back, Taliban Rejects The Idea

September 19, 2025 | By South Front

United States President Donald Trump has openly expressed his desire to take back Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan from the Taliban.

As part of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, American troops left Bagram in July of 2021. Later in August of the same year, the Taliban seized the airfield, and went on to capture all of the country, reestablishing its Islamic Emirate.

Trump has previously indicated that if the withdrawal from Afghanistan happened under his administration, he would have kept control of Bagram, citing its strategic importance near the border between Afghanistan and China. Earlier this month, he slammed the administration of former President Joe Biden for leaving the airfield, describing the decision as "so stupid."

Speaking during a joint press conference with United Kingdom Prime Minister Kier Starmer on September 18, Trump made it clear for the first time that he wants Bagram back.

"We gave it to [the Taliban] for nothing… We're trying to get it back, by the way," Trump told reporters. "We're trying to get it back because (the Taliban) need things from us."

Trump also said that Bagram is located near where China makes nuclear weapons, a claim he made back in March as well, although at the time he specifically said "missiles".

"We want that base back, but one of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, it's an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons," he added.

Following his remarks, three sources familiar with the issue told CNN that discussion on how to get the airfield back have been ongoing in Washington since March

Trump and his senior national security officials believe the base is needed for several reasons, including to surveil China; gain access to rare earth elements and mining in Afghanistan; establish a counterterrorism node to target ISIS; and possibly reopen a diplomatic facility, the sources said.

A later report by The Wall Street Journal revealed that the U.S. has already begun talks with the Taliban on Bagram, with Special Envoy for hostage response Adam Boehler leading the efforts.

Nevertheless, the Taliban appears to be completely against the idea of handing the strategic airfield over to the U.S. military.

Please go to South Front to read more.

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Bad things?

Trump Says 'Bad Things Are Going to Happen' If Afghanistan Doesn’t Hand Over Bagram Air Base

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