When President Trump announced during a press conference in London that he was in the process of trying to regain access to Bagram Air Base, it came as a surprise for some — especially judging by the look on United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s face.

But for those who have followed President Trump’s remarks on Afghanistan, his comments were not unexpected. On several occasions, he had called it a strategic mistake to hand over Bagram to the Taliban in 2021 and has even suggested that the United States should take it back.

On this point, President Trump is correct: it was a mistake for President Biden to abandon Bagram. The United States gave up one of the most strategically located air bases in the world. The way America slipped out — literally in the middle of the night without telling Afghan partners — was a national disgrace.

That said, President Trump also bears responsibility. His deal with the Taliban during his first term set the stage for America’s full withdrawal. President Biden........

© The Hill