Donald Trump says the United States wants to regain control of Afghanistan's Bagram air base, presenting the move as a response to China's nuclear buildup and suggesting the base is near Chinese weapons activity. China and the Taliban deny that Beijing has a presence at Bagram; China says it respects Afghan sovereignty, while Kabul says it wants bilateral ties with Washington without U.S. troops. Analysts view Bagram as a potential U.S. surveillance and military foothold against China, but warn that Trump's proposal could heighten regional tensions and prompt Beijing to strengthen security around nuclear sites and missile silos. Trump has also threatened sanctions against Afghanistan if it does not return the base.

The article discusses the recent escalation of the conflict in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, where a U.S. military vehicle hit a Taliban-planted roadside bomb, killing three American service members. It highlights the Taliban's growing influence in the region since the NATO drawdown in 2015, and their strategic attacks on districts previously considered secure. The Taliban's surge in violence is seen as a move to strengthen their position ahead of potential peace talks with the U.S. The Afghan government's struggle to maintain control and protect civilians is also emphasized, with the recent Taliban attack on Jaghori district causing civilian casualties and displacements. The article suggests that the Taliban's tactics aim to undermine the Afghan government's legitimacy and gain leverage in negotiations, while the U.S. seeks a withdrawal before the 2020 presidential election.

A suicide bomber drove an explosives-filled Humvee into an army base near Ghazni, killing at least 30 Afghan security personnel and wounding 24. The attack came amid escalating violence during Taliban–Afghan government peace talks, with no group claiming responsibility. Separate bombings in Zabul killed one civilian and wounded 20, including a provincial council chief. The report also notes recent deadly attacks in Kabul, disputes over responsibility, progress on the talks’ framework, and U.S. plans to withdraw about 2,000 troops.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack on an Afghan intelligence agency post in Ghazni, killing at least seven personnel and wounding 40. The attack occurred amidst calls by the Taliban for the Afghan government to complete a prisoner swap to facilitate intra-Afghan negotiations. The prisoner exchange is part of a US-Taliban deal signed in February. President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah recently signed a power-sharing accord, which includes Abdullah leading the peace process. The Taliban have conducted over 3,800 attacks since the deal with the US, which has pledged to withdraw all forces by next year. The US hopes the political breakthrough will advance talks to end its longest war.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for a deadly car bomb attack on an Afghan intelligence post in Ghazni, killing seven and wounding 40. This attack coincides with the Taliban's demand for a complete prisoner swap before initiating intra-Afghan talks, following a new power-sharing agreement between President Ashraf Ghani and rival Abdullah Abdullah. Despite a US-Taliban deal aimed at reducing violence, attacks have continued, with the Taliban accused of maintaining ties with international terrorist groups. The US remains hopeful for a political settlement to end the conflict.

The article discusses the recent success of the Afghan military in retaking the district of Khwaja Umari from the Taliban. Located near Ghazni City, the district was recaptured following intense fighting, marking a period of positive developments for the Afghan forces. The military's success is attributed to a shift towards younger leadership and a more proactive approach, utilizing commandos and airstrikes effectively. This has allowed them to prevent the Taliban from making significant territorial gains amidst ongoing peace negotiations. The new strategy contrasts with previous defensive tactics and has been more flexible and adaptive in countering the insurgency.

The article reports on the situation in the Ghazni province of Afghanistan, where Taliban forces attacked the ethnic Shiite Hazara villages, causing over 100 deaths and leading to the displacement of families to Bamian. Murtaza Nasiri, a 23-year-old studying to be an economist, shared his experience of being thrust into the conflict, having to take up arms despite no prior experience. The Taliban, which has been expanding its control in Afghanistan, has started targeting Hazara communities, which had previously been spared. The attacks come amidst peace talks involving Taliban leaders. The Afghan government responded with military force, but the violence has led to significant casualties and displacement. Displaced individuals recounted the peace and development of their home districts over the past 17 years, which has now been disrupted. Some are considering resettlement in Bamian, where they have received a warm welcome and support from local volunteers and organizations like Shuhada, which runs orphanages for displaced children.

A year after President Trump's announcement of a new strategy to win the war in Afghanistan, the situation remains unstable with the Taliban insurgency continuing. The strategy, which focuses on defending population centers and pressuring the Taliban through interdiction campaigns, has not led to significant progress. The Taliban still control large parts of the country, and civilian deaths are at a record high. Analysts from the Brookings Institution and the Center for Strategic and International Studies criticize the strategy's effectiveness and note the increase in Taliban control, especially in rural areas. The recent Taliban attack on Ghazni highlights the ongoing challenges. Additionally, the strategy has not addressed the issue of Pakistan harboring Taliban fighters. The U.S. military's efforts to strengthen the Afghan military have resulted in increased civilian casualties from air operations.

Afghanistan's defense minister, Tariq Shah Bahrami, announced that about 100 Afghan security forces and 20 to 30 civilians have been killed in a four-day Taliban assault on Ghazni, a strategic city close to Kabul. The attack is significant as it threatens to cut off a major highway connecting Kabul to the south. Despite Taliban claims, the government maintains control over the city's prison and police headquarters. The U.S. has conducted airstrikes to support Afghan forces, who are cautious to avoid civilian casualties. Communication lines are nearly severed, making it difficult to confirm details. The Taliban's presence has been building over time, and the recent attack is part of their ongoing efforts to overthrow the government in Kabul. President Ashraf Ghani is considering a cease-fire for the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday.

The battle for Ghazni city in Afghanistan continues as Taliban militants clash with security forces, contradicting government claims of control. Taliban fighters have taken over several police checkpoints and government offices, causing residents to hide or flee. Despite reinforcements from Kabul, the situation remains chaotic with basic provisions scarce. Afghan and US officials assert control, but local reports and social media reactions highlight ongoing violence and insufficient forces. The conflict underscores the Taliban's increasing efforts to overrun urban centers and engage in peace talks with foreign governments.