Russia has moved to boost security ties with Kyrgyzstan in a perceived bid to guarantee the loyalty of the Central Asian state, once considered to be among Moscow's most trusted allies in that strategically important region. Russia and Kyrgyzstan held joint anti-terrorism exercises October 2-5... MORE

On October 3 Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev visited Tashkent to meet with Uzbek President Islam Karimov. Both presidents tried to restore friendly relations between their countries by referring to common cultural roots and the necessity to boost economic cooperation. Although a number of bilateral agreements... MORE

Kazakhstan is pursuing efforts to deepen its existing partnership with the NATO Alliance, as it explores various foreign policy options aimed at securing greater help in reforming its armed forces. Moscow is watching this process warily and making overtures towards solidifying bilateral relations and offering... MORE

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s three-day visit to the United States was a well-planned event. Foreign Minister Kasymzhomart Tokayev did his best to create a favorable climate for the visit long before Nazarbayev arrived on September 26. Up until the very last moment the exact date... MORE

On October 3 Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed an agreement to set up a gas joint venture based at the Orenburg gas refinery. For the first time Kazakhstan is making a major investment in the Russian economy, as Moscow is... MORE

With the presidential election campaign officially opened, Tajikistan’s major opposition parties are refusing to participate in the November 6 vote. To date, incumbent Tajik President Emomali Rahmonov is the only candidate likely to receive a majority of votes. The remaining four candidates are extremely weak... MORE

The political instability that has become a feature of the Kyrgyz political landscape since the March 2005 color revolution has created a window of opportunity for Islamic radicals to increase their activities and possibly inspire terrorist attacks inside the country. Such views, often expounded by... MORE

When Kyrgyzstan became independent in 1991, the energy sector signified a rare hope for the country’s future economic development. Today, Kyrgyzstan’s hydro-energy sector represents a significant part of the country’s economy. It also remains a significant source of corruption. After the March 24 Tulip Revolution... MORE

On the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) leader Tahir Yuldashev sent a direct threat to Central Asian governments. He warned, "The mujahideen haven't forgotten the Muslims executed in Andijan last year. We will avenge Muslims in Central Asia... MORE

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov has hailed defense links between Moscow and Tashkent, saying that recent decisions made by the presidents of Russia and Uzbekistan have helped develop military cooperation "successfully." He also praised a bilateral anti-terrorism drill in Russia's Krasnodar region and stated that... MORE