A new great game in Afghanistan?

Once again, Afghanistan is the battleground of global power politics, where old rivalries are being repackaged under the guise of humanitarian efforts and diplomatic engagement. The Trump administration, fresh in its second tenure, seems bent on clawing back influence in the war-ravaged nation—not by boots on the ground but through calculated soft power moves. The recent release of an American tourist became a golden opportunity to revive ties, as high-ranking officials like Zalmay Khalilzad tiptoed into Taliban-led Kabul under the banner of goodwill. Beneath the surface, however, lies a more strategic play: a renewed interest in the Bagram airbase, which once served as America’s nerve center in the region. Trump’s veiled ambition isn’t just about mending fences; it’s about regaining strategic leverage in a region where friends are few and stakes are high.

As the curtain rises on this “new Great Game,” Pakistan stands at a delicate crossroads. The looming shadow of U.S. interests, coupled with a shaky internal landscape and an unpredictable Taliban regime, sets the stage for fresh tensions. With whispers of possible U.S. intentions to monitor or even influence Pakistan’s nuclear security, Islamabad must tighten its belt and get its house in order. The Taliban, still diplomatically sidelined, may be tempted by American offers—ranging from global recognition to military perks—in exchange for access to Bagram. If that deal goes through, it could alter the power dynamics of South and Central Asia. The ghosts of past invasions still linger, but history shows Afghanistan’s ground is no easy prize. This unfolding drama may just be the prologue to a deeper, more complex geopolitical saga.

Overview:

The article sheds light on the shifting strategic dynamics in Afghanistan as the U.S. re-engages with the Taliban under President Trump’s new administration. By analyzing the renewed American interest in the Bagram airbase and the Taliban’s potential cooperation, the piece explores implications for regional players—especially Pakistan—and situates these moves within the broader historical pattern of foreign interventions in Afghanistan.

NOTES:

This article gives deep insight into how strategic assets like Bagram airbase become pivot points in international diplomacy. It also touches upon issues like soft power, foreign policy realignments, nuclear security concerns, and Pakistan’s regional challenges. The article highlights the need to analyze foreign policy not just through official narratives, but also through the lens of historical continuity and strategic interests.

Relevant CSS Syllabus Topics:

• Current Affairs: U.S. foreign policy in South Asia, Pak-Afghan relations
• Pakistan Affairs: Security of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, internal stability
• International Relations: Geopolitics of Central Asia, diplomacy and strategic bases
• International Law: Recognition of regimes, soft power strategies

Notes for beginners:

This article discusses how the U.S. is trying to regain influence in Afghanistan without starting another war. The U.S. sent officials to talk with the Taliban and used the release of an American as a way to start friendly discussions. The goal is to get access again to a key airbase called Bagram, which the U.S. used before its troops left in 2021. The U.S. may offer help, money, or recognition to the Taliban in return. This matters a lot to Pakistan, because if the U.S. sets up in Afghanistan again, it could watch Pakistan closely, especially its nuclear weapons. Pakistan must stay strong and united to face this challenge. Historically, big powers like Britain, the USSR, and the U.S. have all tried to control Afghanistan, but none succeeded easily. For example, after 9/11, the U.S. used money to get tribal leaders to support it. Now, it may use aid and diplomacy instead of military action.

Facts and Figures:

• The U.S. left behind approximately $80 billion worth of weapons in 2021
• Bagram airbase was the main U.S. military hub in Afghanistan
• Taliban regained control of Kabul in August 2021
• Zalmay Khalilzad led the new U.S. diplomatic mission to Kabul in March 2025
• The Taliban government is still not officially recognized by most countries

To sum up, In the theatre of international politics, Afghanistan is once again under the spotlight as global actors rehearse old scripts with new dialogues. The new Great Game is no less complex than its predecessor, and for countries like Pakistan, the stakes are sky-high. As power plays unfold behind the diplomatic curtain, this article serves as a timely reminder that history often rhymes—even if it doesn’t repeat itself word for word.

Difficult Words and Meanings:

• Legitimacy – Lawful or accepted status; validity (Syn: authenticity | Ant: invalidity)
• Emancipation – Liberation or freedom, especially from social or political restrictions (Syn: liberation | Ant: enslavement)
• Thaw – Easing of strained relations (Syn: relaxation | Ant: escalation)
• Carrots – Incentives offered to persuade (Syn: enticement | Ant: threat)
• Strategic leverage – Advantage in positioning or negotiation (Syn: dominance | Ant: vulnerability)
• Geopolitical – Related to politics influenced by geography (Syn: global-political | Ant: domestic)
• Coercive – Using force or threats (Syn: forceful | Ant: voluntary)
• Isolation – The state of being cut off diplomatically (Syn: seclusion | Ant: engagement)
• Resurgence – A revival or comeback (Syn: renewal | Ant: decline)
• Command hierarchy – Chain of authority (Syn: leadership structure | Ant: disorder)