The gem industry was helping the militant Afghans raise money back when they were US allies. In the bios below, helping the Mujahideen is listed as a cool thing, for both locals and US folks. http://www.gems-afghan.com/symposium/speakers.htm Anwar Pacha was born in Nuristan. He and his father, Fazel Manan Pacha, joined the Jihad in 1979. Together they organized the tribes, established hospitals and assigned doctors to care for the Mujahideen. From his great grandfather to present, his family has maintained leadership and a friendly relationship with other tribes in Northeastern Afghanistan. He has many followers in Mohamand, Safi, Salarzi, Mahmoond, Gujur, Shinwari tribes. Without these peoples, mining of gemstones is not possible. Mr. Aref Hanifi was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. He has been involved in the Import-Export Business between the US, Europe, China, India, and Hong Kong. After this he was involved in helping the Mujahideen, in particular, Khalil Nuristani and Ubydullah Niazi of Northern Afghanistan (Kapisa). Mr. Bowersox received his BBA degree from Western Michigan University where he continued his post-graduate studies in the field of finance and investments. After graduation he joined the United States Army and obtained the rank of Major during the Viet Nam war. After his honorable discharge from the US Army, he worked in the gem industry in Brazil, Burma, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Thailand. In 1973 he began working and surveying the gem mines of Afghanistan. During 1976 he was awarded the exclusive rights for the export of lapis to the United States. After the Russian invasion, Mr. Bowersox worked with the Mujahideen in developing the gem mines in Afghanistan. This entailed many potentially dangerous trips into Afghanistan during the war. In 1997, he was appointed as consultant to the Minister of Mines and Industry-Government of Afghanistan.