Reclaiming Bagram Would Leave U.S. Troops Vulnerable

President Trump recently floated the possibility of regaining use of Bagram Air Base outside of Kabul. This is a very bad idea.

Trump’s narrow logic for wanting the base back makes sense on its own terms. Its strategic location near western China makes it a good place to base American air and missile assets. In the event of war, possession of Bagram would allow America to threaten China’s rear, especially its nuclear weapons bases.