Afghanistan is also the gateway to south central China and the resources found within. This area is historically important as the entrance to India (see the nonfiction book, "The Geat Game" ). The British tried to control Afghanistan during the colonial era, but experienced failure in its attempt to hold. The Crimean War was fought over the control of the access to the Kyber Pass through the Himalayas, and into Kabul and down into India.

Afghanistan was also the focal point that helped bring down the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union over extended itself militarily and economically in an attempt to take and control the area. China has also has its incursions without success.

To this day, Afghanistan remains the gateway to the interior of Asia and the natural resources to locked away there.

Nation Building… We broke it, we fix it.. To keep it out of the hands of the Taliban. To keep it out of Russian influence. To maintain military bases and ‘a presence in the region.’ ..those are what I’ve come up with over, what now … eighteen years?

Is anyone really wondering why the US is in Afghanistan? I heard that shortly after the 2003 invasion of Iraq George Bush made a televised in appearance in which he said: "There will be serious consequences for anyone who damages the oil wells" That was very thoughtful of him..

I believe that your current POTUS has increased the "defence budget" (a gross misnomer) to $650 billion. If my memory and scant knowledge of history serves me correctly your country has not had a war on it's doorstep since The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783).

The same reasons we have invaded any countries since Korea, empire and minerals, usually oil.

The Chinese already own 85% of the worlds known Rare Earth Minerals used in high tech. They have networked and already contracted with Afghanistan to develop their mineral resources.