Global Security Studies Practicum

Afghanistan has opened bids for copper and gold deposits worth billions of dollars in Badakhshan, Ghazni, and Heart provinces as well as an area that spans the Baulkh and Sar-e-Pul providences. The country plans to sell the right for up to five mines every year until 2014. Officials hope the revenue generated from mining will help rebuild the country. Copper mining could potentially generate four to five thousand jobs in Afghanistan. Afghanistan poses vast deposits of iron, copper, cobalt, gold, and other rare minerals. Having few exports, the revenue from mining is needed. The US Defenese Department estimates the mineral reserves as being worth one trillion dollars, whereas Afghanistan claims them to worth at least three trillion dollars. Source : http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Afghanistan-opens-bids-for-massive-mines-PAVDJ?opendocument&src=rss Reliability: 8

Afghanistan awarded the concession for four of five blocks in the Hajigak deposit to a group of Indian firms. Firms must provide a $14 billion investment. It will takes at least five years to begin operations in the region. India’s increased presence in the country may further strain Afghanistan’s relationship with Pakistan. According to U.S. estimates, Afghanistan’s mineral wealth could be worth more than $1 trillion. The profitable mining industry help stabilize Afghanistan, which could ultimately lead to the decrease in need for international aid. The agreement is still pending the approval of President Hamid Karzai and his cabinet. Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203802204577067303633783544.html Reliability: 9

25 November 2o11 With the significant cuts of troops over the next year, analysts of all sides of debate are warning of threatening developments ahead for Afghanistan. The most common fear is Afghanistan is heading for a civil war between the Taliban-led insurgency and the Afghan government. Last week Former Interior Minister Hanif Atmar made rounds in Washington and warned if the foreign forces leave too soon, he stated; “The state will disintegrate. It is a perfect scenario for a proxy-led civil war, which will include Pakistan and Iran.” According to Michael Semple, a leading expert on Afghan politics cautions Afghanistan is inevitably headed for a repeat of the 1990s. Source: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/afghanistan/111123/afghanistan-civil-war Reliability: 8.5

Kabul, Afghanistan – Since September, Afghanistan has collected fingerprints and photographs of all travelers passing through Kabul International Airport. The Afghanistan government plans to eventually fingerprint, photograph, and scan irises of every individual living in Afghanistan. The United States military supports Afghanistan’s biometric collection. The United States finances the current collection efforts at the Kabul airport. Support provided by the United States includes money and training provided by the American Embassy. Comments : The United States military collects biometrics of individuals encountered on the battlefields in Afghanistan. The biometrics are shared with the Department of State and Department of Justice in support of counterterrorism missions. Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/20/world/asia/in-afghanistan-big-plans-to-gather-biometric-data.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1 Reliability: 9

Kabul, Afghanistan - The International Monetary Fund approved a three year $133.6 million loan for Afghanistan. Afghanistan has been without IMF backing for almost a year due to mismanagement at the Kabul Bank. Kabul Bank, Afghanistan’s largest private financial institution, conducted more than $800 million in fraudulent and questionable loans. IMF approved the new line of credit after Afghan improved banking oversight. As a part of the credit approval, IMF requested Afghan government to strengthen oversight and regulation of the banking sector and work to improve revenue collection. Afghanistan lawmakers also agreed to reimburse the central bank up to $825 million it cost to bail out the Kabul Bank. Source : http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/afghanistan-pleased-with-imf-decision-to-reinstate-credit-program-after-kabul-bank-crisis/2011/11/15/gIQA7yYdNN_story.html Reliability: 9

13 November 2011 Kabul- A Taliban -affiliated website published today claims to have leaked a document containing confidential government security plans for a vital meeting of tribal elders in Kabul next week to discuss Afghanistan’s long-term relationship with the United States and possible peace talks. The meeting is due to begin Wednesday and continue for several days, the meeting includes hundreds of community leaders invited from across the country. November 13s alleged leak was interpreted in Kabul as anything from a desperate insurgency resorting to deceitful information to a new sign of Taliban’s heightened ability to provoke confidential evidence from government ministries. The online statement went on to promise further detail which consisted of the original security plans of 28 pages and six pictorial maps recomposed and rewritten for intelligence and policy purposes and will release second, third, 28 th sides of the plan and maps to show validation. NATO’s Intern...