Natural resources in Afghanistan : geographic and geologic perspectives on centuries of conflict Natural Resources in Afghanistan: Geographic and Geologic Perspectives on Centuries of Conflict details Afghanistans physical geography namely climate soils vegetation water hazards and basic geologic background and terrain landforms together with details of its rich natural resources ethnic problems and relevant past histories. The book couples these details with the challenges of environmental degradation and new environmental management and protection all of which are considered finally in both pessimistic and optimistic modes. The reader comes away with a nuanced understanding of the issues that are likely to have great affect for this pivotal region of the world for decades to come. With an estimated $1 3 trillion dollars of ore in the ground and multiple cross reinforcing cancellations of big Asian power machinations (China India Iran Pakistan) Afghanistan has an opportunity to gain more economic independence. At the same time however historic forces of negativity also pull it back toward the chaos and uncertainty that has defined the country and constrained its economic progress for decades Foreword Thomas Gouttierre Preface Introduction and historical overview PART I. GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF AFGHANISTAN. Introduction Rock & landform jigsaw puzzles & mosaic Terrains of torment Soils & vegetation in extremis Watersheds of want Ethnic patchworks Silk road nexus Hazards & disasters PART II. RESOURCES : BONES OF CONTENTION AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO INTERMINABLE WAR. Introduction Afghanistan border fixing : 19th century Lost resource opportunities : 20th century Discovery of rich resources : 20th century Rich resource exploitation resource curses resource wars : 21st century Air & space technology in resource delineation war & peace : 20th 21st centuries Resource rushes in Afghanistan Resource corridors PART III. AFGHANISTAN ENVIRONMENT & DEVELOPMENT. Introduction Afghanistan environment and development issues Afghanistan environmental degradation Afghanistan environmental protection Afghanistan water and climate change PART IV. AFGHANISTAN IN FUTURE. Introduction Pessimistic scenarios : incessant war in Afghanistan Optimistic scenarios : resource corridor success. Natural Resources in Afghanistan: Geographic and Geologic Perspectives on Centuries of Conflict details Afghanistans physical geography namely climate soils vegetation water hazards and basic geologic background and terrain landforms together with details of its rich natural resources ethnic problems and relevant past histories. The book couples these details with the challenges of environmental degradation and new environmental management and protection all of which are considered finally in both pessimistic and optimistic modes. The reader comes away with a nuanced understanding of the issues that are likely to have great affect for this pivotal region of the world for decades to come. With an estimated $1 3 trillion dollars of ore in the ground and multiple cross reinforcing cancellations of big Asian power machinations (China India Iran Pakistan) Afghanistan has an opportunity to gain more economic independence. At the same time however historic forces of negativity also pull it back toward the chaos and uncertainty that has defined the country and constrained its economic progress for decades