This myth is taken on by Guest Myth-Buster Melissa Roddy, and is the fourth in a series on popular myths about Afghanistan. For Myth #1, read Popular Myths About Afghan Women, Myth #2 is The Afghan Women's Movement on International Forces, for Myth #3, read The Myth That Afghans Don't Want Us There. Myth #5 is Afghanistan is Backwards and Irreparable, and Myth #6 is Afghanistan has never been conquered by outside forces.

Myth #4: Western military involvement in Afghanistan is all about American geopolitical interests there.

The Truth: Many people, especially folks who think they know a thing or zip about Afghanistan, believe that the International Coalition is only there to support American lust for cheap natural resources. This is wrong on sooo many levels. Let’s review a few.

If petroleum – the mineral most favored by the Bush Administration – were the primary motivation for stationing NATO soldiers in Afghanistan, then why would former President Shrub have diverted a majority of the resources necessary...More >>