U.S. Geologists Discover $1 Trillion in Mineral Deposits in
Afghanistan  U.S. geologists have concluded that Afghanistan,
one of the world's poorest countries after 30 years of violence
and war, lies atop a bonanza of mineral riches that could
transform it into a wealthy nation.  The world class deposits of
copper, iron ore and some other fairly exotic minerals have been
estimated by the U.S. Geological Survey, which has been working
to identify resources in Afghanistan, at more than $1 trillion.
But those riches which could help end the country's vicious
cycle of poverty and even more vicious cycle of war may remain
tantalizingly out of reach over the next few years.  VIDEO:
Mineral Reserves Found in Afghanistan  "Turning the potential of
Afghanistan's mineral wealth into actual revenue will take
years," State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said today. "And
mineral extraction faces numerous, but not insurmountable
challenges."  American officials have long said that Afghanistan
must develop long term susta