Donald Trump / Give minerals, take weapons... the deal with which the US writes the script of destruction

The US has asked Ukraine to sign a mineral deal worth $500 million in exchange for arms. This is not the first time that the US has taken minerals from a country and given them arms. Countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Syria have been ruined due to this policy.

Donald Trump: The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia has once again provided an opportunity for America to execute its strategic moves. The U.S. has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to sign a mineral agreement, under which America will receive $500 million (approximately ₹43 billion) worth of minerals from Ukraine. This deal is in exchange for the weapons that the U.S. supplied to Ukraine during the war.

Countries Affected by America’s Mineral Diplomacy

1. Afghanistan: Destruction in Exchange for Resources

In 2017, then-Afghan President Ashraf Ghani proposed a $1 trillion mineral deal to then-U.S. President Donald Trump. Afghanistan possesses abundant reserves of lithium and other rare metals, crucial for modern technology. In return for this deal, the U.S. provided advanced weapons to the Ghani administration.

However, in 2021, when the Trump administration withdrew American troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban swiftly defeated Afghan forces and seized Kabul. Ashraf Ghani fled the country, and the Taliban annulled the mineral agreement with the U.S. As a result, Afghanistan fell into complete ruin, now under Taliban rule without international recognition.

2. Bangladesh: Regime Change for Gas

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought to negotiate a mineral agreement with the U.S. on her own terms. However, behind the scenes, America allegedly influenced political events that led to Hasina being removed from power.

Immediately after her departure, the interim government signed a long-term LNG gas agreement with the U.S., under which Bangladesh committed to exporting 5 million tons of LNG to America over the next 20 years. This significantly impacted Bangladesh’s economy, pushing it toward financial instability.

3. Syria: Devastation for Oil

In 2017, the U.S. facilitated military operations to clear regions in Syria that contained vast oil reserves. A subsequent oil agreement between Syria and America ensured U.S. support for the Assad government.

However, in 2019, the U.S. abruptly withdrew its forces, destabilizing the region. As soon as America pulled out, rebel groups launched attacks on Assad’s government, plunging the country into deeper conflict. Today, Syria lacks a stable government and a functioning administration. Additionally, Israel continues to launch military strikes on Syrian territory.

Conclusion

America’s strategy of exchanging weapons for mineral resources has repeatedly led to political instability and economic crises in various nations. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Syria serve as key examples of how U.S. intervention has triggered turmoil.

The latest mineral deal with Ukraine suggests that America views the country as a battleground for its geopolitical ambitions. While the long-term consequences of this agreement remain uncertain, history shows that America’s mineral diplomacy often leads to destruction.