Afghanistan and U.S. Interests: Kotkin vs Nagl

[Surferbeetle]

Omarali50,

Interesting posts as always.

Speaking of cross posting, while trying to gain a sense of things in Afghanistan a couple of economic questions have popped up and I would be interested in your take on things.

My understanding is that estimates as to the annual per capita GDP range from less than $365 (less than the 'magic' $1/day mark, my source is a 2004 World Bank Hydraulics & Hydrology Study of Afghanistan, Working Paper # 36, Water resource development in Northern Afganistan and its implications for the Amu Darya Basin) to $800 and that some of the small time poppy farmers are in the $6,000 range (WSJ article). Would you agree?