# Have we morally failed Afghanistan? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 14, 2021, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636 "2021-08-14T00:47:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/203 "2021-08-18T01:06:17Z")
_Da, da comrade_ ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/204 "2021-08-18T01:07:05Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > China can get its hands on rare-earth metals that are situated there. The rare earth metals that have been there for the last 20 years, that apparently we were too busy to take? (that we obviously faked 911 so we could invade and take?) How stupid ARE these people? ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/205 "2021-08-18T01:18:57Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > How stupid ARE these people? I know there’s a question mark but I fear they’ll take it as a challenge. ---
**Author:** ![shh1313](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shh1313/32/8020_2.png) [@shh1313](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shh1313)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/206 "2021-08-19T14:24:39Z")
_China has also moved to acquire mining interests in Afghanistan with state-owned Metallurgical Corp’s successful $3.4 billion bid to build a copper mine – and a $6 billion railway to go with it – that should enter production in 2014._ \*[Afghanistan's trillion-dollar mineral assets imperilled by corruption - MINING.COM](https://www.mining.com/trillion-dollar-mineral-assets-in-afghanistan-imperilled-by-corruption-10492/) **Background to Discovery** In 2004, American geologists, sent to Afghanistan as part of a broader reconstruction effort, stumbled across an intriguing series of old charts and data at the library of the Afghan Geological Survey in Kabul that hinted at major mineral deposits in the country. They soon learned that the data had been collected by Soviet mining experts during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s, but cast aside when the Soviets withdrew in 1989. Nine Taliban representatives met Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin on a two-day visit during which the peace process and security issues were discussed, a Taliban spokesperson said. Wang said the Taliban is expected to play an important role in the process of peaceful reconciliation and reconstruction in Afghanistan, according to an account of the meeting from the foreign ministry. Source > **[China says Taliban expected to play 'important' Afghan peace role](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taliban-delegation-visits-china-taliban-spokesperson-2021-07-28/)** > > China told a visiting Taliban delegation on Wednesday it expected the insurgent group to play an important role in ending Afghanistan's war and rebuilding the country, the Chinese foreign ministry said. BREAK BREAK [https://green-bri.org/china-belt-and-road-initiative-bri-investment-report-h1-2021/?cookie-state-change=1629374117413](https://green-bri.org/china-belt-and-road-initiative-bri-investment-report-h1-2021/?cookie-state-change=1629374117413) Various Asian and some Middle Eastern countries could increase Chinese funding during the first 6 months in 2021; For this report, the definition of BRI countries includes 140 countries that had signed a cooperation agreement with China to work under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative by 2021. To analyze investments in these countries, we base our data on the China Global Investment Tracker. Break Break Afghanistan has the world’s largest lithium mine that is noted in a different article, it’s on the mining site. We the U.S are almost gone from Afghanistan. The Asian Belt Road Initiative BRI has an organization per the above link that is green. Recently Russia met with China and played war games in Northwest China. Russia is about to supply Iran with a high tech advanced satellite. So… Let’s discuss this… So China and Taliban discuss future diplomacy in Afghanistan. Look here back in 2018 Break Break Break I Know the first 2 articles are old. It relates to my post below \>\>\>\> It is not the first time for the countries to be connected by rail. In the opposite direction, a freight train made its way along the route in September 2016. However, this service has not materialised up till now. Moreover, in 2018 there were talks of a railroad connecting Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran and China. China has expressed interested in giving Afghanistan a role in the ‘Belt and Road’ project for several years. > **[Afghan train to China is a fact](https://www.railfreight.com/beltandroad/2019/09/17/afghan-train-to-china-is-a-fact/?gdpr=accept)** > > The first rail freight service between China and Afghanistan has officially been launched. A train loaded with Afghan export goods arrives in China this week. It is destined for the eastern province of Jiangxi and orginated from the Afghan northern... Interesting times. ---
**Author:** ![shh1313](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shh1313/32/8020_2.png) [@shh1313](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shh1313)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/207 "2021-08-19T14:33:45Z")
The Players are we in The Great Game part 3 or 4? 😜 > countries are part of the BRI\* > > according to [www.yidaiyilu.gov.cn](http://www.yidaiyilu.gov.cn) The countries of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are spread across all continents: - 40 countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa - 34 BRI countries are in Europe & Central Asia (including 18 countries of the European Union (EU) that are part of the BRI) - 24 BRI countries are in East Asia & pacific - 17 BRI countries in Middle East & North Africa - 19 BRI countries are in Latin America & Caribbean - 6 countries are in South East Asia ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/208 "2021-08-19T14:42:30Z")
> [@shh1313](#): > > China has also moved to acquire mining interests in Afghanistan with state-owned Metallurgical Corp’s successful $3.4 billion bid to build a copper mine – and a $6 billion railway to go with it – that should enter production in 2014. Tell me, what year are we in now? I guess the mining will start…in two weeks! > [@shh1313](#): > > In 2004, American geologists, you know, if we couldn’t exploit these resources in 17 years, maybe we don’t deserve them. I guess if we hadn’t have pulled out of Afghanistan, we would have started mining…in two weeks! ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/209 "2021-08-19T14:48:10Z")
> [@shh1313](#): > > Interesting times. Indeed. It’s not every day that we meet a time traveler from the PAST. ---
**Author:** ![shh1313](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shh1313/32/8020_2.png) [@shh1313](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shh1313)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/210 "2021-08-19T15:09:40Z")
QuickSilver. The lithium mine is still there. You think China won’t be more than happy to finance the infastructure in Afghanistan. I imagine they’ve been in talks for a while. As per your time travel remark, the more you know about the history you’re better prepared for the future, 1 example The Han, on the other hand, is a “mid-sized sedan” in a similar class to the Telsa Model 3 that was released in China in July and is [already outselling its Chinese rivals](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/06/warren-buffett-backed-chinese-car-company-byd-outsells-start-up-rivals.html). There are various versions of the Han, including a plug-in hybrid, but the top all-electric model can reach 62mph in 3.9 seconds, which isn’t far off a Tesla Model 3 Performance and beats the Long Range version (unless you apply the Acceleration Boost option). The Han uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) “blade” batteries, which are safer and cheaper than Lithium Ion, as well as containing zero cobalt. It only costs $40,000, although that is in China. > **[Chinese EV Invasion! The Electric Cars To Look Out For In 2021](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesmorris/2021/01/09/chinese-electric-vehicles-to-look-out-for-in-2021/?sh=6315b59875dd)** > > Everyone talks about Tesla, but Chinese-made EVs are set to arrive in quantity in the USA and Europe in 2021. Here are some of the top brands and models from China to watch out for over the coming 12 months. ---
**Author:** ![DeadTreasSecretaries](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deadtreassecretaries/32/4817_2.png) [@DeadTreasSecretaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadTreasSecretaries)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/211 "2021-08-19T15:09:41Z")
Aren’t we all time travelers from the past? ---
**Author:** ![shh1313](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shh1313/32/8020_2.png) [@shh1313](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shh1313)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/212 "2021-08-19T15:27:16Z")
@QuickSilver There is a reason why we didn’t mine the lithium, a mining law. Quote by QuickSilver ‘you know, if we couldn’t exploit these resources in 17 years, maybe we don’t deserve them. I guess if we hadn’t have pulled out of Afghanistan, we would have started mining…in two weeks!’ – “However, a mining law to attract foreign investment was rejected this summer because it was considered “too generous to Western commercial interests,” explains Bowley.” The lack of such regulations is already threatening several projects, such as the [multi-billion dollar contract awarded to a consortium of Indian companies led by SAIL](https://mining.com/indian-consortium-and-canadian-firm-awarded-big-afghan-iron-ore-contract/) in November last year. The group was set to mine the huge Hajigak iron ore deposit, considered one of the largest iron deposits in the world at 1.8 billion tonnes. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/213 "2021-08-19T15:29:03Z")
> [@shh1313](#): > > The lithium mine is still there. You think China won’t be more than happy to finance the infastructure in Afghanistan. I imagine they’ve been in talks for a while. As per your time travel remark, the more you know about the history you’re better prepared for the future, If in 20 years, 3,500 lives and $1.5T, the US has failed to negotiate a trade agreement with Afghanistan for mineral mining, then China deserves all the credit. This goes double if China has developed and built a better EV. All this just adds to the argument of the failed policies of the US with respect to Afghanistan over the past 20 years. While we were focused on nation building, China was focused on economic/trade building. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/214 "2021-08-19T15:29:30Z")
You are attributing quotes to me that are not mine. ---
**Author:** ![shh1313](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shh1313/32/8020_2.png) [@shh1313](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shh1313)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/215 "2021-08-19T15:31:01Z")
Nope, I re edited. It. I saw that ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/216 "2021-08-19T15:47:02Z")
Nope. > [@shh1313](#): > > Quote by QuickSilver > ‘you know, if we couldn’t exploit these resources in 17 years, maybe we don’t deserve them. I guess if we hadn’t have pulled out of Afghanistan, we would have started mining…in two weeks!’ – That wasn’t me. That was posted by: > [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > you know, if we couldn’t exploit these resources in 17 years, maybe we don’t deserve them. I guess if we hadn’t have pulled out of Afghanistan, we would have started mining…in two weeks! Honest mistake, I’m sure. Just be careful about misattribution in conversations where it matters. ---
**Author:** ![shh1313](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shh1313/32/8020_2.png) [@shh1313](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shh1313)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/217 "2021-08-19T15:57:09Z")
Now I see Just asking, Quicksilver I thought I was responding to you, Sorry. ---
**Author:** ![shh1313](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shh1313/32/8020_2.png) [@shh1313](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shh1313)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/218 "2021-08-19T16:23:16Z")
Guess who has an interest in this? Without reading the article wanna guess? The 1st article is paywalled. Sorry… Pretty good timing to invest! Spoiler [Tesla Battery Supplier CATL Rides EV Boom to $200 Billion-Plus Valuation - WSJ](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wsj.com/amp/articles/tesla-battery-suppliercatlrides-ev-boom-to-200-billion-plus-valuation-11626338146) The massive fundraising comes as the Ningdo-based firm – formally Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd – expands battery manufacturing capacity around China and in Germany. > **[CATL looks to raise $9 billion to expand lithium-ion battery production](https://www.mining.com/web/catl-looks-to-raise-9-billion-to-expand-lithium-ion-battery-production/)** > > Chinese battery giant said it was planning a fundraising for six projects around China and Europe. 503.00 CNY +8.00 (1.62%)today Aug 19, 3:04 PM GMT+8 · [Disclaimer](https://www.google.com/intl/en_us/googlefinance/disclaimer/?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjEvZugv73yAhW6JzQIHXdPCXcQ1AEwAnoECAUQBA) ---
**Author:** ![shh1313](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shh1313/32/8020_2.png) [@shh1313](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shh1313)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/219 "2021-08-19T16:39:24Z")
The U.S sanctions are waived 19 May 2021 on Russia so Germany and the EU has access to the. Nordstrom Pipeline. Russia largest state owned gas company GAZAPTOM supplies Nordstrom Pipeline. The pieces of the the puzzle are coming together. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/220 "2021-08-19T16:45:41Z")
Afghanistan has long been sought after as a route for oil pipelines and the country is rich in mineral resources. The extraction of resources that ultimately benefits foreign corporations is invariably a sensitive topic, and Western capitalist firms and countries have quite often failed to show appropriate sensitivity to these concerns. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/221 "2021-08-19T16:49:11Z")
With all due respect, we were in Afghanistan well before the Nordstrom pipeline was on anyone’s political radar. If you’re looking for an ulterior motive beyond the obvious, stated goals of fighting terrorism, I’m more the an willing to entertain a few, but GAZATPROM doesn’t pass my sniff test. More willing to sign off on the Unocal pipeline project and setting up a military hegemony that puts added pressure on Iran - and even that, by my own admission, is a bit speculative. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636/222 "2021-08-19T16:50:48Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > The extraction of resources that ultimately benefits foreign corporations is invariably a sensitive topic, Yes, but shh1313’s CT thinking is that Biden sold out Afghanistan to his buddy China for mining rights. Like it’s a done deal. Mining will start immediately. Connect the dot! Russia has access to the 1000 mile away Nordstrom pipeline, I mean, it all fits! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-morally-failed-afghanistan/948636.md?page=12)