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Central Asia

Central Asia's Security: Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests

Posted Wed, 03/10/2010 - 23:00

The Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) face common security challenges from crime, corruption, terrorism, and faltering commitments to economic and democratic reforms. However, cooperation among them remains halting, so security in the region is likely in the near term to vary by country. Kyrgyzstan's and Tajikistan's futures are most clouded by ethnic and territorial tensions, and corruption in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan could spoil benefits from the development of their ample energy resources.

Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests

Posted Sat, 08/22/2009 - 23:00

This report examines faltering reforms and other challenges to Kyrgyzstan's independence that have raised U.S. concerns. It discusses U.S. policy and assistance for democratization and other programs. Basic facts and biographical information are provided. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Issue Brief IB93108, Central Asia, updated regularly.

Tajikistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests

Posted Fri, 08/21/2009 - 23:00

This report outlines the transformational challenges faced by Tajikistan since its five-year civil war ended in 1997. It discusses U.S. policy and assistance. Basic facts and biographical information are provided. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Issue Brief IB93108, Central Asia, updated regularly.

Kyrgyzstans Closure of the Manas Airbase: Context and Implications

Posted Sat, 07/25/2009 - 23:00

In February 2009, Kyrgyzstan announced that it was terminating an agreement permitting U.S. forces to upgrade and use portions of the Manas international airport near the capital of Bishkek to support coalition military operations in Afghanistan. If Kyrgyzstan does not reconsider its decision, U.S. forces have until late August 2009 to leave the airbase. Major U.S. concerns include working out alternative logistics routes and support functions for a planned surge in U.S. and NATO operations in Afghanistan. Possibly cooler security ties with Kyrgyzstan also could set back U.S.