Remains of the 7th century Buddhist city/monastery/
copper-mining
complex at Mes Aynak in Afghanistan.
Beyond is the compound of the Chinese owned mining firm waiting for the
emergency archaeology
to be completed so that the entire site can be turned into a massive open-cast pit. Surrounding the site is Logar province, held by the Taliban, the distant light trail on the road is one of the endless night-patrols by the Afghan police.
Shot as an assignment for National Geographic.