Quick catch-up: U.S. President Donald Trump recently threatened Afghanistan with "bad things" if it doesn't hand back Bagram Airbase to the United States. He wrote on Truth Social: "If Afghanistan doesn't give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!" 😲
During a White House briefing, he doubled down: "We want it back, and we want it back soon, right away." 🔥
But Afghan officials aren't pulling any punches:
- Mullah Tajmir Jawad, first deputy of the General Directorate of Intelligence, insists the current system stays—no U.S. return. 🔒
- Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid warns, "Our answer is, if you don't leave and want bases, we are ready to fight you for another 20 years." 💪
- Zakir Jalaly, political director at the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, points out Afghans have "never accepted foreign troops on their territory," demanding any talks skip military reoccupation. 🛑
Bottom line: This high-stakes standoff over Bagram is heating up. For young, globally minded readers, it's a reminder of how power dynamics on the world stage can flare up—fast. 🌍✨
Reference(s):
Trump threatens Afghanistan over Bagram; Afghans rebuke U.S.
cgtn.com