Chapter 358: Please Give Me Half

I was already aware that the Northern Alliance and the Taliban funded their military operations through opium cultivation.

But I never imagined that Ahmad Shah Masoud, who had just seized power, would openly display opium.

I frowned and continued speaking.

"If the state openly engages in growing or distributing drugs, it's bound to fail. I didn't expect you to think like that, General."

Ironically, Hamid, the brother of the previous ruler of Afghanistan, was nicknamed the Drug King.

Despite knowing this, the U.S. turned a blind eye, and eventually, nearly half of Afghanistan's arable land became opium fields.

By the time the U.S. tried to remedy the situation, the Afghans, having tasted the profits, were unlikely to give up opium cultivation.

"It seems I misjudged you, General. Let's consider the business proposal null and void."

Zia looked flustered, trying to say something, but Ahmad raised a hand to stop him.

With his mouth shut, Ahmad cast a probing look at me.

"Are you really willing to forgo our natural resources?"

"Yes. I didn't come all this way just to engage in the drug trade."

"So you're withdrawing your business proposal…"

Ahmad fixed me with a piercing gaze as he trailed off.

I returned his look, disappointment mirrored in my eyes.

We held each other's gaze for a long time without flinching.

Eventually, light danced in Ahmad's eyes, and he chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"This is a misunderstanding. You claim to be a businessman, but you seem more like a warrior to me. It's not often I meet someone who boldly voices their opinions in front of me."

The tense atmosphere shifted dramatically.

With a warm smile, Ahmad seemed like just a friendly middle-aged man.

It was surprising how drastically one person's demeanor could change. I found it a bit hard to adapt.

Fidgeting with the opium on the table, Ahmad spoke.

"I'm determined to eliminate drugs from our country. I've also cultivated opium out of necessity to fund our resistance against the Taliban. But I know that drugs are like parasites that destroy a nation. Most residents involved in opium cultivation are addicted to it."

Opium poppies were the main ingredient for both opium and heroin. There was no way the locals could resist that temptation.

"While we're uprooting opium cultivation with U.S. cooperation, there are no alternative jobs for the locals. Can we just tell citizens not to grow opium without any plan? If they don't want to kill me with guns, I'm lucky."

Ahmad nonchalantly mentioned something that could be a weakness for him.

"There are many ethnic groups in this country. Just patching things up is challenging, as you said. I'm barely managing thanks to the existence of the Taliban as an enemy, but if they disappear, they might turn on me like hyenas."

The best way to eliminate internal threats was to create a formidable external enemy.

When the Soviets invaded, the Taliban, Northern Alliance, and other factions all united against the Soviet forces.

After years of war, the regions controlled by Ahmad were the only places in Afghanistan where life was relatively bearable.

Later, when a new government was established, Ahmad became the Minister of National Defense, but faced corruption, ineptitude, and infighting within the government.

Just before the Taliban took Kabul, he rallied important figures and escaped to return to Panjshir.

The reason he showed me the opium seemed to be to discuss the realities of this country. He quickly wiped away his aggravated demeanor and sincerely apologized.

"I misunderstood your intentions, General. I'm sorry."

"Haha, what can I say about perceptions of this country? It's true that warlords have engaged in opium cultivation. We need to move past the past and create new jobs. That's the only way we can hope for a future."

Indeed, my decision to support Ahmad was not misguided.

Though there was a minor misunderstanding, the conversation continued.

"Once the mines are developed, the residents around those areas will find jobs. I have no intention of overlooking them."

"But that will take a long time, won't it? I'm worried about our citizens who need immediate solutions."

"What do you want from me, General?"

It was unavoidable that mine development would take time; the initial work was crucial.

However, once developed, a massive city would emerge around it.

Ahmad seemed unsatisfied with just that.

"What I want is…"

"Please, speak up. I'm willing to help in any way I can."

Ahmad clasped his hands on the table and spoke earnestly.

"We need jobs that can sustain us immediately."

"No companies are willing to invest in an unstable Afghanistan."

"Kabul is secure. Thanks to U.S. support, our military is becoming stronger. Let's start with Kabul and build schools, hospitals, and factories in the northern regions we control."

I couldn't respond immediately. Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Ahmad spoke decisively.

"I know what worries you, Kim Mu-hyeok. But if we only feat on the scraps that America feeds us, we'll never be self-sufficient. I do not trust the U.S. Just look at what they're doing now. They haven't completely eradicated the Taliban while invading Iraq. It's clear they don't care about our country."

"That was an unavoidable choice."

I didn't intend to defend the U.S., but the American casualties in the ongoing guerilla wars were too significant.

The U.S. government, mindful of its citizens, had no choice but to be passive.

"We've captured most major cities, but Taliban forces still exist. They've established military schools in Pakistan to train guerillas. We need jobs to dissuade people from joining them."

Despite having just taken power, Ahmad was genuinely concerned about the country's future.

I began to understand why many followed him.

Ahmad instructed Zia to bring a map.

After receiving the map from Zia, Ahmad roughly swept aside the opium on the table, letting it drop to the floor, and unfolded the map.

"Our country's illiteracy rate is astounding. If we continue to be fed by U.S. handouts like cattle, we have no future. Therefore, I intend to completely revamp our country. For that, schools and educational institutions are crucial. I plan to build schools, starting with Kabul and Kunduz. However, as of now, I lack the funds. If you're considering investing in Afghanistan, prioritize schools first."

Ahmad gestured toward the capital, Kabul, and the northern city of Kunduz.

For quite a while, he continued to detail his vision for the nation's future, asking me for investments without a trace of desperation.

Instead, his sparkling eyes reflected the vast dreams he held.

'What should I do…'

I only planned to focus on mine development. But Ahmad wanted more.

As I watched the enthusiastic Ahmad speak, I found myself lost in thought, and gradually, I began to share in his fervor.

"Your plans are commendable, but various issues might arise. The future of Afghanistan is important to me as well. Still, General…"

Noticing my troubled expression, Ahmad finally lifted his head.

He met my gaze for a moment, then opened his mouth.

"My friends in Russia told me that you could become an ally to Afghanistan."

"You have friends in Russia?"

Ahmad nodded.

"When the U.S. supported the Taliban through Pakistan, I received help from Russia. I have maintained cordial relationships with several individuals there."

It became clear why Ahmad emphasized the future of the nation so strongly.

This was the stark reality of international politics.

When we resisted the Soviet invasion, we fought with American support, and when fighting the Taliban, we relied on Russian support.

This was the tragedy of a small nation, forced to become the puppets of great powers.

"It seems the U.S. has reasons to dislike you, General."

"Haha, did they ever anticipate that the Taliban they nurtured would ally with Al-Qaeda?"

After a brief moment of contemplation, I spoke.

"We can't develop multiple cities right now. Let's start with Kabul, as it's the safest area, making it easier to dispatch personnel from Korea."

"Oh! Will you really do that?"

Ahmad's genuine joy was apparent.

"Yes, we'll begin with Kabul and then proceed step by step. But for this to happen, General, you must fully seize control of the government. Afghanistan must be under your rule for investment to be worthwhile."

Once people taste power, they tend to change. Of course, I had no idea what would happen to Ahmad.

However, I could see sincerity in his eyes, making it hard to dismiss his current demeanor as false.

"There's one condition, General. In exchange for investment, please grant me half of Afghanistan's mineral resources."

"…"

Ahmad couldn't answer immediately.

"Initially, I only planned to acquire about three mines. That would have been enough. But to do more than just develop mines, and to take on the risks you desire, I need to shoulder some risk too. I'll likely become a target for the Taliban or Al-Qaeda. I've already faced an attack on my way here."

"I've heard about that."

"I'm a businessman, General. I don't want to pursue ventures that aren't profitable. Just taking three mines isn't going to cut it."

I'm not a philanthropist; I can't do this for free.

High risk, high return. I planned to scale up my bet on Ahmad.

"I'll hold 51% of the developed mines, and the remaining will be handed to the government. At this rate, it won't be a loss for the Afghan government."

"Hmm."

The underground resources in Afghanistan are estimated to be worth at least one trillion dollars right now, and that value is likely to appreciate over time.

There's an abundance of common mineral resources like iron and copper, and even rich deposits of rare earth minerals currently under Chinese control.

Furthermore, lithium, essential for the battery industry, is predicted to be found in quantities that could rival Bolivia, the leading producer.

Over time, lithium and rare earths will hold infinite value.

It was no surprise that China used rare earth minerals as leverage to pressure other nations; it was considered a vital resource for future industries.

If the Middle East has oil, to echo Deng Xiaoping's words, China has rare earths, and the value of these minerals has become increasingly significant.

If I could claim them early, I'd have many more cards in my hands.

"Though the share is 49%, once developed, and once the area is thriving, the value will be beyond words. The revenue the government could earn from that would be staggering."

Pondering for a moment, Ahmad suddenly stood up.

He walked to the window, pulled back the curtains, and pointed toward the presidential palace in the distance.

"To possess that place, Afghanistan has shed much blood. I never want to repeat that history."

The presidential palace, having been broken in a U.S. airstrike, was currently undergoing reconstruction.

"If I become the true master of that place, I will grant you what you desire, Kim Mu-hyeok."

After gazing at the presidential palace for a while, Ahmad walked back to me.

"Thank you for becoming Afghanistan's friend."

Extending his hand, Ahmad smiled. I rose from my seat and shook his hand.

"I'm not a friend of Afghanistan, but a friend of yours, General."

"Haha, isn't that the same thing?"

Ahmad laughed heartily, and I returned the smile.

From my first meeting with Ahmad, I had gained a lot—half of Afghanistan's mineral resources.

Looking beyond the window at the desolate cityscape, it began to feel like an untouched lottery ticket.