Trump puts the Taliban on notice: 'BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!'

President Trump is advocating for the return of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan to the U.S., asserting that dire consequences will follow if it is not relinquished. The base, originally built by the Soviets and later expanded, served as a crucial hub for U.S. military operations against groups like the Taliban and al-Qaeda following 9/11. It was abandoned and turned over to Afghan forces during the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, subsequently falling to the Taliban shortly thereafter.

Trump has expressed his strong disapproval of this loss, calling it "gross incompetence" and highlighting the base's strategic importance, particularly its runway capabilities. The idea of a U.S. return to Bagram is gaining traction, with some viewing it as a means to counter threats from groups like ISIS-K and to leverage its proximity to China. The significant financial and military assets lost during the withdrawal continue to be a point of contention and frustration.

• President Trump has issued a warning to the Taliban, demanding the return of Bagram Air Base to the U.S. and threatening negative repercussions if this does not occur.
• Bagram Air Base was initially constructed by the Soviets in the 1950s and expanded in the 1980s, later becoming a significant U.S. military operational hub after 9/11.
• The base was abandoned and handed over to Afghan forces during the U.S. withdrawal in 2021 and was subsequently captured by the Taliban within a month.
• President Trump described the loss of the base as "gross incompetence" and emphasized its powerful capabilities, including runway strength and length.
• The strategic importance of Bagram is being re-evaluated, considering its potential role against ISIS-K and its proximity to China, with frustration expressed over the loss of military assets.

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Trump's Warning to the Taliban [00:19]

• President Trump is issuing a warning to the Taliban regarding Bagram Air Base.
• He is promising harsh consequences if Afghanistan does not return the base to the U.S. military.
• The specific quote cited is, "If Afghanistan doesn't give Bram air base back to those who built it, the United States of America, bad things are going to happen."

This section focuses on the direct demand from President Trump for the return of Bagram Air Base and the associated threats.

"If Afghanistan doesn't give Bram air base back to those who built it, the United States of America, bad things are going to happen."

History and Significance of Bagram Air Base [00:36]

• Bagram Air Base was first built by the Soviets in the 1950s.
• It was expanded during the 1980s, coinciding with the Soviet-Afghan War.
• After 9/11, the base came into the possession of the U.S. military.
• It was used as a hub of operations against the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
• The base stood strong for decades until it was abandoned.

This part details the historical origins and previous military importance of Bagram Air Base.

Abandonment and Taliban Capture of Bagram [00:56]

• The base was abandoned under the Biden administration.
• It was turned over to Afghan forces when the U.S. withdrew.
• The withdrawal was described as happening secretly in the middle of the night in 2021.
• Just a month later, the base was captured by the Taliban.
• This capture occurred on the same day Kabul fell.

This section outlines the circumstances surrounding the loss of Bagram Air Base to the Taliban.

Trump's Remarks on Bagram's Loss [01:11]

• The president states, "I'd like to get Margaret back." (Note: This appears to be a misstatement or a nickname for Bagram).
• He describes giving up the base as "gross incompetence."
• He highlights its status as "one of the most powerful bases in the world in terms of runway strength and length."
• He emphasizes that "You can land anything on there. You can land a planet on top of it."

This segment captures President Trump's personal commentary on the strategic and operational significance of Bagram Air Base and his disappointment with its loss.

"I'd like to get Margaret back. And that was gross incompetence to give that up. You know, it's one of the most powerful bases in the world in terms of runway strength and length. The strength and length. You can land anything on there. You can land a planet on top of it."

Editorial Commentary on Bagram [02:13]

• The Washington Post published an editorial with the headline, "A US return to Bram isn't a bad idea."
• The editorial notes that the abandoned airfield was once a symbol of American power.
• The thinking behind a potential return could be its strategic value.
• This includes leveraging its position against ISIS-K, which continues to fight with the Taliban.
• Its proximity to China is also highlighted as an important strategic consideration.

This part summarizes the editorial's perspective on the potential strategic benefits of a U.S. return to Bagram Air Base.

Frustration Over Lost Assets During Withdrawal [02:50]

• There is ongoing anger about the money and military equipment lost during the withdrawal.
• It is suggested that President Trump is still very upset about this.
• Some weapons and vehicles were lost, and some weapons were even sold or sent to other places.
• This is seen as a "catastrophe of a withdrawal."
• The speaker expresses disgust at how the withdrawal ended, suggesting it was rightly so.

This section addresses the lingering frustration and anger concerning the perceived mismanagement and loss of significant military assets during the U.S. withdrawal.

"Yeah. Sold to other and that's ours. And President Trump was absolutely, you know, disgusted with how that ended and rightly so."