Despite Trump’s threats, Taliban firm on retaining control of the Bagram airbase

The Taliban has rejected US President Donald Trump’s demand to hand over the Bagram airbase, dismissing his warning that “bad things” will happen if the base is not returned to American control. Al Jazeera reported on Sunday that the Taliban issued a statement insisting that “Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity are of the utmost importance.” The group urged the US to respect prior agreements and to avoid resorting to coercion. “Rather than repeating past failed approaches, a policy of realism and rationality should be adopted,” the statement read. The Bagram airbase, located about 50km north of Kabul, was the largest US military site in Afghanistan during the 20-year war following the Sept 11 attacks. According to the report, the base...