And it was stopped. Lebanon used to be (1950s) the jewel of the Med. Iraq was the jewel of the middle east with culture, history, universities, and oil. Iran is sitting on lots of minerals and oil. Afghanistan sits on lots of gemstones and rare things.
Africa? South America? We already know Africa and South America are rich with diamonds, gold, oil, etc..
What if the European powers didn't want all that 'wealth' to hit the market? Which would depress the market prices? A lot.
Has anyone ever read Joseph Conrad's book "Heart of Darkness"? Or seen the movie "Apocalypse Now"? Its a microcosm story of The Guy who is too good at what he does. And must be stopped, and is stopped by 'powerful interests'.
In Conrad's book, the Company sends a capable man upstream in Africa to send ivory back down the river. He was so good at it it was depressing the market price and losing them money. He had to be stopped.
I find that a good allegory to why these countries with seemingly endless riches, are so poor and always in strife. They have too much wealth and resources, and others don't want them to enjoy the benefits of their wealth.
Kind of like Gates, Bezos, Bloomberg, etc. They have theirs and don't want anyone else to get some. The cabal is evil, and has been in near total control of the planet for a long time. That's Kit's conclusion.
Haven’t read those books. However, your observation —also good for S. America.
Have you read Confessions of an Economic Hitman or the newer book:
The Secret History of the American Empire: The Truth About Economic Hit Men, Jackals, and How to Change the World?
I’m working my way through the newer one.
Excellent analysis!