Why is Afghanistan important to the development of Caspian oil resources?
A shift in emphasis is taking place in the energy policy of energy-consuming countries. It is obvious that black gold is still very relevant, and such regions are simply very important in the field of vision of many companies. For example, this news proves it.
Ahmed Rashid: Afghanistan is by far the shortest route to the Gulf from the gas resources of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistanfrom Northern Central Asia and Western Central Asia. It is far shorter than the routes through Iran, the Caucuses or China. Any pipeline would pass through only two countries, whereas at present the pipeline is passing through seven or eight countries. So if Afghanistan was a stable country with a coherent central government, it would be the best bet. MM: You suggest in your book that Unocal was supportive of the Taliban, but soured on them. What has been the Unocal-Taliban relationship over the years? Rashid: Both the competing oil companiesBridas (the Argentinean multinational) and Unocalhad very close relations with the Taliban. They took their leaders on junkets to their home bases, they gave them substantial help in the form of office equipment, and they gave medical treatment to many of their leaders. Unocal set up a training school for the Taliban in Kandahar.
