are they better? Or are US barrels just built with different tolerances?

Can they be made here?

Why hasn't some Russian started making AK here in original config.

I would imagine Arsenal would have the ability to do this?

It hasn't been done yet because foreign barrels are still relatively cheap here. Once all the foreign barrels dry up, then perhaps a US company will make a good AK barrel, but the price will never be as cheap as any foreign barrels.

Yeah, until all the foreign barrels dry up there is no need to make hammer forged US barrels as no one would pay the premium for them.  Especially when US barrels have a pretty shit track record so far.

The US made barrel will never be made as good as foreign ones because the competition is drying up, so the US made ones will be the new standard.  There was never a market for US made AK's because imports were cheaper.  with gun control always looming over our heads, gun or parts manufacturers will probably not take the risk and invest in equipment to make a good quality barrels.  Unless a miracle happens and somehow we are guaranteed gun control will never be an issue again, then everyone would be jumping on the band wagon.

When a demilled kit with a chrome lined barrel costs the same as a good US made barrel, why bother? When the supply of cheap foreign barrels dries up, you will see barrel makers delve into the AK market.
Just about the only ones doing it now are Green Mountain and US Bar & Tool, I think that's their name. Chrome lining is an added cost.