Overview

• The Trump administration is discussing with the Taliban stationing a small U.S. unit at Bagram Airfield as a counterterrorism hub with aircraft and drones, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
• Trump said on Sept. 18 that the United States is seeking to take back the airfield and has asked the Taliban interim government to return it.
• He indicated a possible quid pro quo, saying the Taliban have something the United States needs.
• Trump framed the push by noting the base sits about an hour from a site where he alleges China is producing nuclear weapons.
• Bagram, roughly 40 kilometers north of Kabul, was the largest U.S. base until its 2021 handover, and officials have not disclosed concrete mechanisms or progress, as lawmakers voice concern about Chinese influence.