U.S. discovers 1 trillion dollars worth of minerals in Afghanistan

WHAAAAAAAAT ?!?!?!?!

 

If true this provides an actual development strategy for Afghanistan. Unlike Iraq and its oil, I had no expectations of economic development and eventually a strong central govt in Afghanistan - this changes everything. But it also means there will be an American military presence in Afghanistan... forever.

 

There have always been people who believed Afghanistan was rich in minerals, but DAMN $1 trillion dollars can do a lot for that piss poor nation. It can also get a lot of people killed over it.

I am guessing we ain't leaving now :grin:

 

I feel sorry for the people of Afghanistan.

The worst thing to happen to the Arabian peninsula was the discovery of oil. The people wanting to extract profit from them become enablers of all of the worst aspects of their humanity.

 

I don't see that it makes any difference over the next several years. It won't stop the Afghans from doing what they do best... looking out for the tribe, the village, the family, and grabbing a buck, all the while killing each other. They've been doing that since Alexander the Great and probably before. They'll still be doing it long after we're gone. We need to hang what's left of the AQ leadership, declare victory, and bug out, like yesterday.

 

And you're smiling why?

The only reason for troops to be there is to ensure the resources are only used by the Afghan people. Outside of that would be exploitation, so there's nothing to really gain; it's a burden, if anything.

 

I guess this is why we bumped up the war a notch in the last year.

 

This makes a huge difference. War/power costs money, and if the Karzai govt plays things right, they'll be swimming in money (Just look at the mine sale to China last year). Given Karzai's history, I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.

 

^ Also, look at China's involvement in Africa. If there's enough stability, China would be more than willing to be build the infrastructure needed to extract the minerals. Roads, rail, even "good will" efforts like hospitals.

 

Finders, keepers.

 

I would agree with you if Afghanistan wasn't already a tragic country. I don't think this discovery will make it worse.

 

Good opportunity for the USA.

 

LOL..

 

So true. The last thing we need is another radical extremist group with tons of money.

 

Hit the nail on the head...
If not extremists, there is always the possibility of Russia heading back, etc.

As was stated earlier, we are NEVER leaving Afghanistan now...

I wonder how Obama will approach this development

 

This story didn't just pop up today, there have been geological surveys of minerals in Afghanistan for years. This is a PR strategy to consolidate power. If the drug lords think they can get rich legitimately, working as local power brokers for a developing mining industry they will avoid poppy production and turn their backs on the Taliban network they need to run the illicit trade.

People have to have incentives to change.

 

I suspect so.

I doubt that this was just discovered this week.

 

So is this another reason to continue what I believe is the longerst war in American history?

 

Seems like silly propaganda. How exactly did they discover that and estimate its worth? Did some soldiers dig out something while they were searching caves for OBL? I mean...come on.