China's Role in the Stabilization of Afghanistan

China's recent 3.5 billion dollar contract bid for the Aynak Copper Field in Afghanistan is the single largest foreign investment in Afghanistan to date. Critics contend that China is getting a free-ride on the coat tails of U.S.-coalition stabilization efforts. However, the author argues that any economic stimulus, especially of this magnitude, should be seen as a boon to all parties who have an interest in a stable Afghan economy and government that can maintain its own security.