The difference between Afghanistan and the Middle East is that unlike the oil-rich states there, the Afghans have no coastline.
"So what?" you ask? Well that means there has to be something in it for either the Russians, the Chinese, the Pakistanis, or the Iranians. It means the Afghans are limited in their choices and so they cannot as easily dictate prices/sell at market value.
Final Fantasy, Foreign Policy, and Bollywood. Helluva combo, that...If the US Government was feeling intelligent, they might try actually giving the Afghanistan people good deals on the stuff at competitive prices...
...oh, who the hell am I kidding, American influence in this region of the world is utterly fucked.
I am now known as Flyboy.
Good deals?
yeah, in theory. this is a way to bring afghanistan out of third world permanently.
In practice, US interests will rape the corpse of afghanuistan till the desposits are dead and gone and not share a cent.
Really now? I didn't know you were privy to our policy makers.
Well, I'd love to believe the US Government is intelligent enough to realize that the "let's fuck over the Third World!" model of foreign policy is an abject economic and sociological failure.
I don't believe that, however.
I am now known as Flyboy.
You're an idealistic but deluded person who doesnt understand basic economics of why africa is a shithole if you think theyll be altruistic in this case.
Its far easier to either grab the resources yourself and drive the startups that cant compete technologically out of business than bother sharing with the "stupid sand people"
edited 19th Sep '11 10:02:56 PM by Midgetsnowman
Strawman much?
Snow@Hey,I am a cynically idealist and I think that yes American policy has been bad but that's drawing the line.
edited 19th Sep '11 10:13:18 PM by joyflower
Not strawmanning. Just saying, economic data doesnt bear out the idea of altruism when it comes to resources. History shows that every time some third world pisshole strikes it rich, a major corporation will simply move in and exploit it.
Cynical idealist... why does this not make sense?
You can be a pessimistic idealist. Or an optimistic cynic, I guess. But... self-contradictory statement is self-contradictory...
I am now known as Flyboy.Cynically Idealistic is what I meant to say.We can just let the Afghanistan people get control of the metals because they really deserve it and merrly go on our way out of the country until another rich country comes to take it for themselves.
edited 19th Sep '11 10:17:30 PM by joyflower
I agree that the US could theoretically offer a deal in favor of the Afghans...but again, this is irrelevant unless one knows how the local powers will react and how the US works with them. In short, the US needs to both give the Afghans a good deal AND get a local partner. There is India, yes, but India doesn't have a common border with Afghanistan.
In my personal view, the US should back the idea of Greater Afghanistan, but that would never happen for a variety of reasons.
Final Fantasy, Foreign Policy, and Bollywood. Helluva combo, that...In short terms we don't know what fate has in store for this deal with the rare metals and Afghanistan.That reminds me of that Notorious BIG song "Mo Money Mo Problems" and now I understand him correctly.
Actually, its fairly obvious what is in store: The Great Game II.
Final Fantasy, Foreign Policy, and Bollywood. Helluva combo, that...,
It has already started, as I noted earlier.
Keep Rolling OnFF Shina, the Indians would rather trade with Pakistan deal with the United States.
Dutch LesbianThe Indians are already dealing with the US, and have since 2005. In the context of Afghanistan, there is a LOT of lobbying going on with the US to hedge against Pakistan making Kabul it's client again.
Final Fantasy, Foreign Policy, and Bollywood. Helluva combo, that...
Honestly, National dickwaving aside, I think it would be best to.. (god I can't believe I'm saying this) let the American corporations subsidize the whole thing. Buy the equipment for them and provide the expertise and security, and then take a cut of the profits.