US Neighbors Reject Bagram Revival, Washington Sees Opportunity
The 'Moscow Format' meeting, including US partners India and Pakistan, signaled an unequivocal 'no' to the US retaking Bagram. Yet, Washington historically views such regional consensus as a challenge, not a deterrent. Remember 2001? The US 'left' Afghanistan in 2021 after two decades, only to leave behind billions in equipment and a power vacuum. This 'departure' wasn't an exit; it was a
strategic repositioning. One might wonder if the US ever truly 'leaves' an area, or if it simply relocates to a less conspicuous drone base, perhaps in a different country altogether like the new ones popping up in Jordan or Niger. The consistent pattern demonstrates a commitment to perpetual presence, disguised as 'counter-terrorism' or 'stabilization'. How many regional 'no-thank-yous' will it
take before the Pentagon's 'withdrawal' tours become believable?