Are Claims of Afghan Mineral Wealth a PR Trick?

Spiegel Online

6/21/2010

Was the “sensational find” of large natural mineral resources in Afghanistan reported by the New York Times last week a PR trick by the United States government? Or was it a clever chess move by Afghan Mining Minister Waheedullah Shahrani?

Both had good reason to announce the surprising news. US President Barack Obama is lobbying Congress for a further $33 billion for the military mission in Afghanistan, so the reference to Afghanistan’s “stunning potential,” as General David Petraeus, the head of US Central Command, put it, comes at a highly convenient time.

The story continues …..

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