Are Indians foes or friends?

[Toramana]

^ The reason why Indians haven't been as active in South is because many Southerners are still in love with Taliban who will reject every single foreign aid since that's their way of expressing 'ghairat', but also because many things built in South will be destroyed following day. It's not India's fault Tajiks tend to appreciate their help more than Pukhtoons accept their help more than Pukhtoons because Tajiks indeed love India, just go to Northern Afghanistan once. There is a shopping-center called Lycee Maryam and many Indians tend to visit that place, many Afghans greet them with 'bhai jaan' and after they have a chat Afghans will say 'khub ast ke Hindustan ware dost ham darem'. Which means, it's good we got a friend like India. Everyone knows why India is friends with us, no doubts. But people are extremely sure that India won't make same stupid mistakes like all others by supporting Afghans to blow themselves up and many Afghans believe India is only foreign country in Afghanistan which understands Afghans and Afghanistan, and that's why they are being appreciated by the entire nation.

Shyesta, all your views regarding the conflict in Afghanistan can be summarised just in one or two sentences i.e., "Pashtuns are responsible for every bad thing that has happened in Afganistan....They are even responsible for the Tsonomi that struck Pacific and killed over a million people..."

[Khidr]

Khidr,

I really don't think that partition of the country is the ideal solution. As shown in the case of India/Pakistan, this will only result in hardening of hostilities between the two groups. Entrenched elites who have a vested interest in perpetuating the hostilities is the worst thing that can happen to their respective people.

The inter-ethnic rivalries of Afghans have valid historical reasons. However the educated people from all ethnicities must realize that the atrocities were committed not by "Pashtuns" or "Tajaks" but power hungry individuals who manipulated the prejudices and grievances of their own people to enrich themselves.

The best solution for Afghanistan is if a reconciliation between Pashtuns/Tajaks. I hope my government can play a positive role by using its hard-earned goodwill to bridge the differences between the two groups.

Drona, the atrocities of past and history is not the main point of difference between Tajiks and Pashtuns.


The future is the main point of difference. For there to be any unity and reconciliation, there must be a common vision of the future between Tajiks and Pashtuns to unite on. I mentioned before that there are great and fundamental discrepancies about just what to unite on. I can only see whatever little common ground that exists today eroding with time.

I think you’re expressing your countries ‘official stance’ very cleverly and diplomatically and I respect that. However reality is very different.

[Admin Khan]

Hi Shayesta,

The reason why Indians haven't been as active in South is because many Southerners are still in love with Taliban who will reject every single foreign aid since that's their way of expressing 'ghairat',

That isn't true. The south does not want the Taliban at all, the reason they have sided with them presently is simple - they do not like foreigners telling them what to do. In parts of Kandahar, even 'Dari' is foreign. Imagine waking up 3am and realizing there are 'foreign' troops searching for Talibs. Next thing you see is your fellow countrymen telling US soldiers, your dad is a Talib and he ends being locked up, no questions or court cases. How would you feel? You don't have the right to label that entire group bad, but won't you feel upset? Any rational person would feel upset. Those Pashtuns of the south are brave. They have witnessed atrocities, and have seen women in their villages tortured, and as of now, they just want to put an end to that nonsense going on in their land. However, in no form does that mean they are permanently siding with the Taliban, I don't think any sensible Pashtun will side with the Taliban as far as its political ideologies go, but as for now, many have picked up arms simply to not let the country slip out of their hands.

For example, ever since Nato has decided to 'invade' Kandahar, you would be surprised how many tribal elders have decided to pick up arms again and repeat what they did to the soviets. Does that mean they support the Taliban as well? They support the Taliban in a limited fashion, what I mean by that is they support them in a sense that they think that by standing and allying with the Taliban, the can kick out the 'foreigner', the irony in that statement is that they are kicking out a foreigner with foreign aid, oh lord! However, they feel as if the minute all foreigners leave, they can reconcile their differences and develop Afghanistan on their own.

The point in this message is, let's not depict us as if we are backward people, we never supported being ran by Islamabad, we are wise people, however, we must also acknowledge the war crimes and treatments of Tajiks, what they have done to us can't be easily forgotten. Take a look at Guantanamo Bay, how many of those Pashtuns were actually 'terrorist'? Guess who told Nato they were terrorist? I am sure you can figure that out.

At the same time, Pashtuns[sold outs]have also worked against us, I don't think examples are necessary for that notion. We need to work together with our brothers across the brother to be dependent from foreign intervention. We need to reconcile our differences with various ethnic group. However, as a Pashtun, I respect Dari, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Punjabis, Hazaras and any other ethnic group for that matter. However, if I see a Tajik or Punjabi insulting my ethnic group or language, or perhaps even undermining it or declaring that Afghanistan is a Persian country, I will feel insulted and betrayed, and to be honest with you, that is what has happened.

Just the other day I met a Dari speaker who said "How come I can't speak Dari? It's our national language, It's the language of Afghans". Before I even responded to his question, I responded in Pashto saying "Zma Pashto izda da, Pa Pashto ke khabarey rasara waka". His response was, " I don't speak what you just spoke". Now again, I don't want to insinuate or attempt to belittle ethnic groups. That just isn't my cup of tea, I just think we shoudn't always run around and put all the blame on our people. Tajiks must respect Pashto, It's not optional. Its a requirement. If they respect my Pashto, I have no problem respecting their Dari, Urdu or German. I think I further clarified my stance on this several times in the past.

When village people, who are oftentimes demonized find out their language and culture is under attack, expect people to side with any movement who will work against those people who are propagating them as terrorists. It happens so that movement is the Taliban. We will never tolerate a Taliban type government again, It took us to the stone ages. But let's not lie against them either. It's against our religion and culture.

Not Tajiks, they have just always tried to be friends with Afghan nation

We have spilled our blood over this nation as well. I think we also qualify as 'friends'.

[Admin Khan]

Drona, the atrocities of past and history is not the main point of difference between Tajiks and Pashtuns.


The future is the main point of difference. For there to be any unity and reconciliation, there must be a common vision of the future between Tajiks and Pashtuns to unite on. I mentioned before that there are great and fundamental discrepancies about just what to unite on. I can only see whatever little common ground that exists today eroding with time.

I think you’re expressing your countries ‘official stance’ very cleverly and diplomatically and I respect that. However reality is very different.

Hi Khidr, welcome to our community.


As far as your concern goes, It's really simple. Respect my Pashto, respect my culture, allow the constitution to be in effect, and we will reciprocate and respect Dari like we always have. The Pashtun community, ever since the fall of Taliban, feels demonized and alienated. They have have been under heavy attack in all aspects of their lives. It would be appreciated by us all, if Tajiks and others were to not play the victim card. We have all witnessed collateral damage, we have all been tortured, we are not the main problem at all. The main problem is foreign countries who have deceived Tajiks and Pashtuns while they[foreign powers] bring forward their own strategic agenda, at the cost of our blood. Pashtuns are being discriminated in the education and public sector, to say the least. What I say, is backed up by sources, for starters, here we go. Many of the southerners don't understand Dari, KU for the most parts gives its lectures in Dari. Is that fair? Afghanistan can never function without its largest ethnic group now can't it? We all have faults and we all have shortcomings.

The country’s largest ethnic group is growing increasingly frustrated and angry with the government and its foreign backers. From house raids and air strikes, to problems in the classroom and civil service, they believe they are the main victims of a war deliberately targeting their very way of life.

“Our blood is turning the streets red, and so is yours,” said Nasimgul Tutakhail, an associate professor at Kabul University who helped organise the protest. “If you do not listen to our speech, very soon you will be defeated.”

Pashtuns are, by all independent estimates, the majority ethnic group here. Living predominantly in the south and east, they have long been Afghanistan’s traditional rulers, supplying the heads of state in regimes that have covered just about the entire political spectrum, from monarchies and communism to Islamic theocracy.

But since the 2001 invasion brought with it the promise of a new democratic system, there has been a pervasive feeling in some circles that the balance of power has shifted towards their enemies.


The current Pashtun president, Hamid Karzai, is often regarded as a figurehead put in place to disguise what is actually happening on the ground. “He is just a symbol,” Mr Tutakhail said.

The root of this anger is the US-backed appointment of a number of warlords from the north of the country to official positions after the collapse of the Taliban government. Mostly ethnic Tajiks, they have been directly implicated in human rights abuses before, during and after the invasion, often against Pashtuns.

It is a wound that continues to fester today, fuelling conspiracy theories about what the West’s intentions here really are.

“America and Nato gave power to a minority group of thieves in Afghanistan,” Mr Tutakhail said.

As well as this political alienation, there is a feeling that Pashtun culture is under attack. The demonstration in Kabul was held to demand the equal use of the Pashto language in public institutions.

Protesters complained that in universities and schools across the capital, lessons are held only in Afghanistan’s other main language, Dari. This, they said, has caused some students to underachieve or even fail their exams because they do not understand what is being taught.

For Hasibullah Azam, a Grade 10 pupil, it is all part of the same problem.

Speaking after the march, he said: “The government of Afghanistan has not paid enough attention to Pashtuns and that is why they started fighting. The fighting going on now is just for Pashtuns to receive their rights; they have no other aims.”

While the war is spreading to nearly all parts of the country, it continues to be fiercest in the south and east, where the insurgency is gaining in intensity and sophistication. It has also spilled into neighbouring Pakistan.

Pashtun communities straddle both sides of the frontier, having been divided when the British drew the border in 1893. The Taliban is not a nationalist movement, but it is has always received the bulk of its support from Pashtuns and observers say cultural grievances are an important factor in motivating men to take up arms. These include the dishonour brought about by house raids, and the need to avenge the killing of relatives.

Abdul Ghafoor Liwal, president of the Regional Studies Centre of Afghanistan, warned that attacks by Nato and US forces would be regarded as “a holocaust” if they went on for much longer.

“Unfortunately, if the situation goes on like now, 10 years later you will fight against maybe one million fundamentalists, people like the Taliban. Because it is clear that when you kill one innocent person among Pashtuns, 10 more Taliban will rise,” he said.

The potential for Afghanistan’s ethnic tensions to boil over into mass sectarian violence does appear to be growing. Tajik leaders have voiced their concern about any future peace deal with the Taliban and ethnic Hazara politicians have begun speaking out against the government in a row about cabinet posts.

Meanwhile, the violence in Pashtun areas shows no signs of abating. In the capital city there is anger, but in the provinces there is open revolt. Asadullah Waheedi, editor of the daily Sarnavesht newspaper, warned that opposition to the occupation was now a majority opinion among his people.

“The foreign troops and the current government prepared the ground for me to continue my education, they solved my economic problems and I am living in Kabul and have access to all the facilities of a modern life. But I am not happy for the Americans to stay for even one minute more in Afghanistan.

“So if a man is living in the countryside, seeing civilians killed by foreign soldiers and losing members of his family, why would he be happy for them to stay?”

http://www.thenational.ae/news/world...ir-way-of-life

[drona]

My Indian friend,

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/17/opinion/17harrison.html

In fact what is India doing is counter productive to its interests as the above paragraph amply expresses.

Rest, I will do whatever in the interest of my people whether that is to trade with China or India.

My Pakistani friend,

The article says nothing of the sort. It alleges that Pashtuns are politically weak because of US policies. Some observations:

1. The article is 1.5 yrs old, so I really don't know how relevant it is. But responses from the Pashtun members in this thread show that Pashtuns are not as helpless as you are insinuating.

2. US has not allowed India to play any political role in Afghanistan because of Pakistani insecurities. So, aside from all the developmental projects we are in no position to "strengthen" or "weaken" leaders from any ethnicity.

[Shayesta]

all your views regarding the conflict in Afghanistan can be summarised just in one or two sentences.

Oh oh, there comes Mister Know-It-All!

Pashtuns are responsible for every bad thing that has happened in Afganistan.

Nope, Pukhtoons are responsible for every bad that is happening upon themselves. Yes, we can involve foreigners into this or Tajiks, Punjabis, and whom not, but the bottom line is that we, Pukhtoons, make them successful in their every attempt; Fact.

They are even responsible for the Tsonomi that struck Pacific and killed over a million people...

I thought we were discussing Afghanistan, where did Tsunami come from? Or did you just need a reason to comment on me for the sake of, uhm, a comment? :/

The south does not want the Taliban at all, the reason they have sided with them presently is simple - they do not like foreigners telling them what to do.

My dear, even Taliban was formed with some foreigners and they are in fact funded and supported by foreigners. Just because they seem to be Pukhtoons by face but something else by intention, does it mean we should be more likely of them?

In parts of Kandahar, even 'Dari' is foreign.

Uhm, not quiet. Lately whenever I see Kandahar in news, I am actually surprised by number of people actually speaking Dari. Even when you follow fun-shows on Ariana you will notice people calling from Kandahar who speak excellent Dari, and I am not talking about 'just a few people'.

Imagine waking up 3am and realizing there are 'foreign' troops searching for Talibs. Next thing you see is your fellow countrymen telling US soldiers, your dad is a Talib and he ends being locked up, no questions or court cases.

This, Admin Khan, is one of South's main concerns. We have got completely incompetent translators who God knows what they translate to the soldiers, and people end up being in trouble. Some people say those translators are Tajiks, some say Pakistani and some even say Iranians who want nothing but ill for Pukhtoons. So why don't we, Pukhtoons, start being more active as translators? There are so many courses here in West to be found for Pukhto, simply because not enough Pukhtoons themselves offer to go to Afghanistan from West.

They have witnessed atrocities, and have seen women in their villages tortured, and as of now, they just want to put an end to that nonsense going on in their land.

Believe me, that's what entire Afghanistan wants. Enough Hazaras have been raped as well, enough Uzbeks have been raped as well, enough Tajiks have been raped as well, and same goes for Pukhtanas. It's just heart-breaking that mass-rapes have been happening between Afghans themselves, not by foreigners.

However, in no form does that mean they are permanently siding with the Taliban, I don't think any sensible Pashtun will side with the Taliban as far as its political ideologies go,

The fact we need foreigners to drive away puppets of other foreigners (Taliban) says enough about the sad and impossible state we are at. I personally know enough people who were Taliban supporters back then, then sided the government and US for the money out of which they built mansions for themselves, but yet hope USA is driven away by Taliban a.k.a. Pukhtoons so that Afghanistan 'makes another history'. These thinkings are the ones which are poison for Afghanistan, at least you and I (might have) got an standing point; Whether right or wrong.

but as for now, many have picked up arms simply to not let the country slip out of their hands.

Why don't they pick up those very same arms along with Afghan National Army? There have been so many calls for Pukhtoons to join the army, yet some Pukhtoons moan of too many Tajik soldiers serving in the South and accuse them of being misinterpreters and mis-treaters of Pukhtoons. And this only makes me wonder why we don't actively join the army so there will be no need for a Tajik to enter South? Why don't we actively work as translators so that a Tajik, Punjabi, or whoever doesn't even get the chance of misinterpreting and destroy lives? Why?

you would be surprised how many tribal elders have decided to pick up arms again and repeat what they did to the soviets. Does that mean they support the Taliban as well?

USA is kind of a country which can do anything it wants to, to whomever it wants to. Even Russia was driven away mainly 'thanks to' USA. How about those elders oust the root of USA's presence from Kandahar, which is the Taliban? How come no arms were taken up against them? An invader isn't necessarily an outsider; It can very well be an insider who serves an outsider.

we must also acknowledge the war crimes and treatments of Tajiks, what they have done to us can't be easily forgotten.

A question right here before I can move on; Are you talking about 2001 in North, or any other incident?

Take a look at Guantanamo Bay, how many of those Pashtuns were actually 'terrorist'? Guess who told Nato they were terrorist?

It would be great if you could prove how they ended up in those prisons. If they are sent there right from Afghanistan then once again the problem lies with the translations; Where Pukhtoons are lacking and therefore other ethnics take that 'responsibility'.

We need to work together with our brothers across the brother to be dependent from foreign intervention.

For that we would need their opinion as well. Don't forget that they are being accused of the very same terrorism in Pakistan by non-Pukhtoons of Pakistans as are we, Pukhtoons of Afghanistan, by non-Pukhtoons of Afghanistan.

We need to reconcile our differences with various ethnic group.

This is my dream which, by the looks of it, might remain a dream forever. Let's also not forget that even bigger opposer than Tajiks politicians are Uzbek and Hazara politicians and for Hazaras, I can understand why.

However, if I see a Tajik or Punjabi insulting my ethnic group or language, or perhaps even undermining it or declaring that Afghanistan is a Persian country, I will feel insulted and betrayed

I haven't seen a Punjabi literally insult Pukhtoons, but majority of them can't resist blaming Pukhtoons and Afghans for the state of Pakistan, they can't stop blaming us (as ethnic and as nationals) for instability in the entire region. I had to deal with such a Punjabi last week and I put her in her place in a way she ended up blaming Punjab and her government for allowing such practices to happen in her country in first place. And this time, I was actually very calm and nice compared to how she deserved to be treated.

Tajiks must respect Pashto, It's not optional. Its a requirement. If they respect my Pashto, I have no problem respecting their Dari, Urdu or German.

If you think Pukhto has been disrespected in Afghanistan since forever then how wrong you are mate. Taliban forced Pukhto on Afghanistan by not only making Pukhto sole national language, but trying to make Pukhto more important than Dari amongst Tajiks themselves. Would you respect Northern Alliance if they decided to make Dari sole national language and not even bother to utter a word in Pukhto in South? Because every single politician today from every single group speaks both Dari and Pukhto.

We will never tolerate a Taliban type government again, It took us to the stone ages. But let's not lie against them either. It's against our religion and culture.

It's also against our religion and culture to join Taliban who consist of Pukhtoons but might be biggest trouble for us, and ignore the army which consists of every single ethnic and might be biggest saviors of ours. Don't you think by joining other ethnics in army will give us the time, understand and respect we actually need?

We have spilled our blood over this nation as well. I think we also qualify as 'friends'.

I don't think India ever really ignored us. Security is much tighter in the North so I don't understand why their investments in more secure areas goes against 'Pukhtoon-demands'?

Many of the southerners don't understand Dari, KU for the most parts gives its lectures in Dari.

Are you talking about Pukhtoons in South? If yes then every single university in South is dominated by Pukhto. If you are talking about universities in Kabul city then despite Pukhtoons forming not more than 25% of the city, they have got lectures in Pukhto as well. I have myself seen universities divide into two sections; Dari section, Pukhto section. Same demand was made for a university in Jalalabad as well by Dari speakers, but it never happened. And the minister of education is by the way a Pukhtoon.

When she visits the south, she will get a taste of reality.

What reality? That every bad upon ourselves is 'foreign people's' fault?

[Shayesta]

^ Really? I must be brilliant then since I manage to make people do a slip of tongue at every single line!

Dear, if you got anything to add then please do so, don't accuse me of things you got no understand of and nor it is between you and me. If Admin says the same thing then I will think about it, anyone else is not to say for this and I am sure you haven't even read the entire reply.

[drona]

Admin Khan said,

We have spilled our blood over this nation as well. I think we also qualify as 'friends'.

You can't accuse of not trying hard enough. Whenever possible India has tried to implement development projects in the South too. Heck, 100s of Indians have been killed by "not-so-bad" Taliban. Many Pashtuns also come to India to study and for treatment at subsidized rates.

In your post you highlighted the fact that Pashtuns don't like foreigners. So, I can understand when "not-so-bad" Taliban kill Indians with tacit support from Pashtuns. The lack of development is not our fault, but of those Pashtuns who support these zealots.

We wouldn't be in Afghanistan if not for the fact that it has always been Afghans who have invaded India from medieval times to the Kashmir invasion. So we are trying to influence Afghanistan in a benign and positive manner. Just self-preservation.

[Admin Khan]

Admin Khan said,



You can't accuse of not trying hard enough. Whenever possible India has tried to implement development projects in the South too. Heck, 100s of Indians have been killed by "not-so-bad" Taliban. Many Pashtuns also come to India to study and for treatment at subsidized rates.

I am not quite sure what you mean by your first sentence, but I take it as if you misread/misapprehended my post. What I meant by that one-liner was we Pashtuns have sacrificed our lives for Afghanistan, we deserve recognition for our precious contributions. If India is developing schools, I appreciate it. However, I am not naive either, If I see India is creating problems in my country, I would politely ask them to leave. So far, according to various sources, India is the largest regional aid donor, and it seems to be cooking good programs in Afghanistan, so I have no problems, but I will always have a genuine concern.

In your post you highlighted the fact that Pashtuns don't like foreigners. So, I can understand when "not-so-bad" Taliban kill Indians with tacit support from Pashtuns. The lack of development is not our fault, but of those Pashtuns who support these zealots.

You are incorrect, I never said that in that context. Pashtuns love foreigners, we love guests. If you were to come visit my house, we would perhaps cook you one of the best meals you ever ate. Hospitality is embedded in our culture, we love our guests. We treat them with equality and love. But, If you Drona, plan to subdue and 'conquer' Pashtuns, expect a fierce opposition.

Taliban movement in my opinion is a tool which ISI has used for its own strategic benefits. That is my opinion, so you being an Indian, it makes sense to me why you would have a concern. But, you should also enlighten your government on the history of Pashtuns, we just don't want like someone telling us what to do.

We wouldn't be there supporting the Tajiks if not for the fact that it has always been Afghans who have invaded India from medieval times to the Kashmir invasion. So we are trying to influence Afghanistan in a benign and positive manner. Just self-preservation.

So just because once upon a time, a Pashtun invaded parts of India, you are going to now, in the 21'st century hold that against them? Any political science major will see a flaw in that argument and policy. Indian's, If they truly wish to see a brighter Afghanistan, should help the entire 'Afghan' population, not just a certain ethnic group.

If your policy is supporting just Tajiks, Pakistanis will support just Pashtuns, in this process, both India and Pakistan are destroying Afghanistan, and away goes all your good deeds. Pashtuns do not hate Indians. I am a Pashtun, I have nothing against Tajiks, Hazaras or Indians.

[Shayesta]

I actually taught courses in Karachi(Chiniot) and Nanagarhar University, In many southern provinces right now all the paperwork and many of its University classes are in Dari.

I know there are classes in Dari there but as far as I know, Pukhto is taught on larger scale in South because my own in-laws (Dari speakers) whenever preparing for exams in universities learn in Pukhto, not Dari. I know one of the reasons mentioned for lack of Pukhto lessons is lack of materials as in materials for education in Dari comes from Iran; Indeed also to Southern Afghanistan.

Besides, no one wants to study in the South because all the great Universities are in Kabul, and in Kabul its only Dari.

Tell me, have you ever been to Arzaan-Qeemat and areas between Bagh-Bala and Macroyan? If yes then what did you observe in the universities there? And the city of Kabul definitely is not all about Dari! From airports to shopping-centers, to schools I have been hearing Pukhto. And I am very sure I was in Kabul, not Kandahar.

No one never denied Talibans forcing Pashto but we are speaking about right now which Tajiks and others have forced Dari down our throats.

When we do something bad in past then it's past, when Tajiks have done it we 'shouldn't forget easily'? When we have forced our language on others then it's past, but since Tajiks share equal rights to promote their language we shouldn't forget? And once again, minister of education is a Pukhtoon himself, how can you blame Tajiks for his actions?

You commented about Kandahar, have you ever been to Kandahar? If yes which part?

Have you been to entire Afghanistan to comment on entire country's situation?

Kandahar is 99.99999 percent Pashto speaking by they can poor speak Dari and Urdu for the sake of hospitality.

In other words, Dari isnot alien in Kandahar, right? That's the only point I was making.

Admin made it super clear that we should all learn various languages and not make everything into Pashto vs Dari but when Dari is being shoved down our throats,

I didn't notice anything similar in Nangarhar, Laghman and Kunar and my relatives in Kabul study mainly in Dari faculties, though only one of them choose to study in Pukhto faculty. Even when Hanif Atmar made plans to build more faculties in Pukhto then it were Pukhtoons themselves accusing him of dividing people of Kabul and when he managed to win enough support from the government, Pukhtoons themselves choose to study in Dari faculties instead in Kabul. Remember? I don't think any Tajik is forcing us to choose for Dari faculty, nor are they forcing minister of education to make Dari more important in a Tajik dominated city. Oh the irony!

I have spent your entire age in Afghanistan probably, so please just because you made a few short summer vacations of Afghanistan does not mean you are aware of ground realities.

And despite of living my age in Afghanistan your knowledge seems very broken to me. I got family living all over Afghanistan, family visiting all over Afghanistan, friends from many areas of Afghanistan, myself visited different areas of Afghanistan. If I want to I could also share stories shared by others or what I personally experienced all over the places I went, but I won't since that won't bring both you and/or me anywhere. You would stand on your own point (whatever that is), and I will stand on mine which is that Tajiks aren't forcing anything on us; It's just us who took ages to open our eyes and fight for our language.

[Maulik]

Afghanistan to sign mining MoU with India

(Reuters) - Afghanistan will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India on mining in a month, the country's mines minister, Wahidullah Shahrani, told reporters on Friday during a visit to India.

"We are quite optimistic on this. We would prefer to see more investment by Indian companies," he said after meeting with his Indian counterpart B.K. Handique.

The MoU will cover potential investment by India's private and government companies in Afghanistan to mine mineral resources and also training by India for Afghan professionals in the sector, Shahrani said.

Afghanistan is estimated to be sitting on $3 trillion worth of untapped mineral deposits, but poor infrastructure and investor caution are inhibiting development of its mining industry, Shahrani told Reuters in an interview last month.

Shahrani said Afghanistan would like Indian firms to invest in the development of mineral deposits.

"We had very good meetings with a number of them (companies) ... companies like Ispat, Essar, ArcelorMittal, Jindal Group," he said.

"We have had some communication and we are expecting them to participate in bids for the Hajigak iron ore deposit," Shahrani said.


Afghanistan put its Hajigak deposit, located west of the capital city Kabul, back up for tender in September after taking it off the market in 2009, with promises of security for investors despite a worsening insurgency.

Afghanistan, seeking to exploit its untapped mineral wealth, has sought global investors to bid for a series of other mining projects as well.


Shahrani said Afghanistan would launch tenders for its Balkhab copper deposit and another copper deposit in northern Aynak in June or July 2011. Last month, he said the ministry hoped to launch tenders for the Balkhab deposit by the end of 2011.

Afghanistan awarded a giant copper contract in 2007 to a Chinese consortium to develop a deposit in the Aynak region south of Kabul.

With the United States planning to begin a military withdrawal from July 2011, India and China along with Afghanistan's other neighbours such as Pakistan and Iran have stepped up efforts to increase influence in the unstable region.


Afghanistan to sign mining MoU with India | Reuters

[drona]

Admin Khan said,

But, If you Drona, plan to subdue and 'conquer' Pashtuns, expect a fierce opposition.

Can you give me a specific instance when India has "planned" to conquer Pashtuns ?

But, you should also enlighten your government on the history of Pashtuns, we just don't want like someone telling us what to do.

But apparently Taliban has no problem accepting orders from GHQ, Rawalpindi.

So just because once upon a time, a Pashtun invaded parts of India, you are going to now, in the 21'st century hold that against them?

I am not talking of distant history but events of 20th century. Some Pashtuns are very susceptible to the religious propaganda of Pakistan. It wouldn't be any of our business but for the fact that it threatens us directly : '47 Tribal invasion, Kandhar hijacking, Kashmir insurgency, etc. So Indian presence is necessary to create a positive impression amongst the Pashtuns. But it wouldn't be at the cost of other ethnic groups.

Indian's, If they truly wish to see a brighter Afghanistan, should help the entire 'Afghan' population, not just a certain ethnic group.

We are already doing that. Physical Infrastructure is used by every Afghan . But some members here are suggesting that we can only be friends of Pashtuns if we burn our bridges with Tajiks. That is unacceptable. India should be building bridges between Tajiks and Pashtuns, and not dividing them [Like Pakistan is doing].

[Admin Khan]

Admin Khan said,

Can you give me a specific instance when India has "planned" to conquer Pashtuns ?

Did I ever say Indian has planned to conquer Pashtuns? I have yet to make any substantial claims. Philosophically speaking, If I haven't made a claim, why are you demanding for proof? In short, I never said Indians plan to conquer Afghanistan. I said if they do, they will experience fierce resistance, however, that if applies to any country.

I am not talking of distant history but events of 20th century. Some Pashtuns are very susceptible to the religious propaganda of Pakistan. It wouldn't be any of our business but for the fact that it threatens us directly : '47 Tribal invasion, Kandhar hijacking, Kashmir insurgency, etc.

I have repeated this over and over again, and I guess I will have to repeat it again. Your goal should be limiting Pakistani influence, not by supporting Tajiks to create further ethnic tensions and bloodshed. By supporting Tajiks, you are ruining Afghanistan. You should create institutions and Universities, and the minute Afghans have more Masters degrees, do you not think they will realize that they are being used by Pakistan? Remember that saying 'only the educated are free'? By saying you will support Tajiks, since Pakistan supports Pashtuns, both you and Pakistan are part of the problem. Be the bigger man and win the hearts of Afghans, that is if you truly care for the development of Afghans.

We are already doing that. But some members here are suggesting that we can only be friends of Pashtuns if we burn our bridges with Tajiks. That is unacceptable. India should be building bridges between Tajiks and Afghans.

Like I said, If you support Tajiks, expect more bomb blasts in India. If you are already developing institutions, I appreciate it.

[Toramana]

Oh oh, there comes Mister Know-It-All!

Shyesta, that Tsunami thing was sarcasm but you couldn't understand it.

Your argument runs like this.

Pashtuns are responsible for all the bad things that have happened to them recently---and they are also responsible for all the bad things that happened to others (especially TAJAKS) since Afghanistan was established( in 1763).

but

Tajaks and other minorities are not responsible AT ALL for their "miserable condition" all these centuries (since 1763). (this implies, Pashtuns can be themselves responsible for the bad things that happen to them but other people cannot be.) AND. Tajaks and other minorities are not responsible AT ALL for what has happened to Pashtuns.

While others are immune to sins Pashtuns don't have such immune system in work within them.

Now can you see the twistiness of your argument? That is why I remarked Pashtuns might also be responsible for the Tsunami as well.

[drona]

Did I ever say Indian has planned to conquer Pashtuns? I have yet to make any substantial claims. Philosophically speaking, If I haven't made a claim, why are you demanding for proof? In short, I never said Indians plan to conquer Afghanistan. I said if they do, they will experience fierce resistance, however, that if applies to any country.

India has never conquered any foreign nation in her 5000 year history. Nonetheless your concern is noted.

I have repeated this over and over again, and I guess I will have to repeat it again. Your goal should be limiting Pakistani influence, not by supporting Tajiks to create further ethnic tensions and bloodshed. By supporting Tajiks, you are ruining Afghanistan. You should create institutions and Universities, and the minute Afghans have more Masters degrees, do you not think they will realize that they are being used by Pakistan? Remember that saying 'only the educated are free'? By saying you will support Tajiks, since Pakistan supports Pashtuns, both you and Pakistan are part of the problem. Be the bigger man and win the hearts of Afghans, that is if you truly care for the development of Afghans.

Admin lala, you are creating a strawman here and proceeding to knock it down. India is not supporting any <insert an ethnic group here> against <insert any other ethnic group here>. She *is* building institutions. She is training Afghan lawyers, doctors, army,election officials, students from all ethnic groups. When not possible in Afghanistan, Afghans are invited to India for their training. It's just that her success has been limited in South because of interference from Pakistan/US. Some members (falsely) see that as a support to Tajiks.

Like I said, If you support Tajiks, expect more bomb blasts in India.

I am going to ignore that provocative statement