How to Prevent the Plunder of Afghan Mineral Riches

What do you get when you bless one of the most corrupt countries in the world with newly discovered bounties of natural resources? Answer: Afghanistan, perched between prosperity and greater malefaction.

The Afghan government estimates reserves of coal, copper, gold, iron ore, gemstones and other riches -- many of which were recently identified by the U.S. in a topographic survey using an airborne imager -- could bring in as much as $1.5 billion in annual revenue by 2016. In the unlikely event authorities manage the wealth for the benefit of all, natural resources could prove Afghanistan’s salvation. Otherwise, the blessing will become a curse that fuels corruption and conflict, as it has in countries such as Angola, Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of Congo.