Oil in Afghanistan. by Milota Sidorova

World media have recently stunned over news that Afghanistan government detected new, relativelly large oilfield in its region of Balkh. The resource is located in northern region marked by great destabilization process. Balkh is one of areas with strong Taliban influence and also the place of close US and foreign troops' operations.The projection was estimated on 1.8 billion barrels and its economic value was according to Afghanistan government around 3 trillion dollars. Jawad Omar, a spokesman for the ministry of mines told international media he was expecting more than 1.8 billion barrels in the area, but didn't specify any method upon which the estimation was made. What! comes out clear is that war-torn country changes into a gold-mine for the most precious global comodity – the oil. But Afghanistan has had more to offer, along with oilfield, the government spoke about mineral resources of iron ore, lithium, oil gas and gems. Official strategy was to offer these good to foreign investors. The only (dis)advantage was the war. Now it seems government and all international military pressure has had one more major reason to strike down either Taliban or any other investment objections. Efforts would be increased to get and restrict the area for economic development, now according some observers the oil would be a vigorous reason to prolong any military invasion in the country. Interesting that the news come out after some international troops (Nederlands) decided to decrease their numbers. Consequences could near Iraq scenario.But the war state and lack of mining infrastructure could make it in a way more difficult to get the country bac! k on its feet, but once the region would be basically stabiliz! ed there would be no objection for foreign corporations to launch their business here. With the country marked by decades of war and no culture of transparency and anti-corruption there could be neither opposition nor regulations to control their practicess. Who would believe foreign investors would save domestic economy from dependency on Western banks and policies?Afghanistan has officially turned out to be a beggar with a ring. But once the rich man comes, he will take the ring and call it a deal.

related story (sgx17982): http://www.france24.com/en/20100815-large-oilfield-discovere...

by Milota Sidorova for Cantell TV (http:! //cantell.tv)

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