Mining venture threatens ancient Afghan Buddhist site
Ten years ago the Taliban blew up Afghanistan's ancient Buddhas of Bamiyan, provoking international outrage.
Now the country's rich heritage is facing a new threat.
A Chinese mining venture has set its sights on Mes Aynak, in Logar province, a short helicopter ride from Kabul.
The site was was once an al-Qaeda training camp, but is also home to an astonishing discovery; a Buddhist monastery more than 1,400 years old.
Quentin Sommerville reports.
15 Jun 2011
- From the section South Asia