The risks of Afghanistan's resources The New York Times, in a
front-page story last week, reported that $1 trillion worth of
minerals was buried in the mountains of Afghanistan. Geologists,
Afghan officials and mining companies stand ready to launch a
modern-day gold rush. Before everyone charges in, however, we
need to recognize the risks and rewards inherent in these
resources. This story ran soon after major news outlets noted
that the U.S. military wants to fight corruption in
Afghanistan’s government as a key to winning the war. In
principle, these deposits mean resources for Afghanistan to
build its economy as the “Saudi Arabia of lithium.” But
expanding Afghanistan’s economy from the current $12 billion to
potentially $1 trillion will be a boon only if these resources
are managed properly. Many other countries already have proved
that resource revenue often leads to corruption and instability.
For example, roughly 60 developing countries are rich in natural
resources yet home to more than two-thirds of