How Natural Resources Could Help Build Peace in Afghanistan

Mar 16, 2020 | Elizabeth B. Hessami
View Original

Potential water wars due to plans for multiple dams, violent opium cartels supporting world heroin markets, and many conflict-financing minerals including everyday talc used for baby powder. These are the types of natural resources stories that usually make front page news about Afghanistan. But natural resources have a significant role to play in stabilizing Afghanistan. Instead of being a source of conflict, they may help with peacebuilding by creating livelihoods and creating opportunities for ex-combatants.

The recent Doha talks succeeded in creating an exit strategy for the United States, and potentially intra-Afghan talks which may lead to peace, but still raise many questions. What will happen once U.S. troops exit Afghanistan after a dismal 18-year battle with the Taliban? Could judicious use of natural resources be the key to a brighter future if some sort of peace is achieved?