Suchergebnisse

The author, a recognised expert on Central Asia, outlines in this first part the dangerous conditions surrounding the coalition's enforced departure in 2014, and gives some regional explanations for the United States' delaying posture. He continues to call for a rapid withdrawal of our forces in Central Asia.

In this essay, the author exposes the Central Asian trap which risks snaring NATO forces by virtue of their dependence on logistic supply. A generalised 'Afghanisation' of Central Asia is developing along two lines -- drugs and terrorism -- which are mutually supporting. Hope of stabilisation of the area seems well and truly compromised.

In an article in last month's journal issue entitled, 'The Afghan nightmare: an update', the author showed how NATO action in Afghanistan is missing the point: the drugs war. He highlighted the way in which the Americans & their allies have taken the wrong track to the point of alienating a population initially well disposed towards them. The Atlantic Alliance is caught up in an interventionist spiral, & we have to ask ourselves what we are fighting for in Afghanistan. The answer to that question will tell us whether the operation should be maintained, with the sacrifices that that will entail, or whether NATO should withdraw to allow other forces to take over. Adapted from the source document.

The Americans have opportunely switched the burden of their punitive expedition into Afghanistan onto NATO's shoulders. Because of their mistakes, what should have been a war of liberation has become a war of occupation, not to say a war on the way to being lost. Just like the Soviet Union before it, the North Atlantic organisation, whose reputation is at stake, has slipped into the interventionist spiral, in which ever more troops & materiel are required. This is the moment, before it is too late, to do one of two things: either fight seriously with new combat & pacification tactics, or pull out of a conflict which is heading for catastrophe. Adapted from the source document.

The collusion of powers surrounding the central Asian region -- Russia, China, & Iran -- all of whom can be seen as political wildcards for the United States, elevates the American political interest all the more with regards to establishment of a foothold in the region. This article examines the anticipation of a domino effect beginning in Kyrgyzstan vis-a-vis the reality of the region's instability. As suggested here, mere favor for, or emulation of, the American model is hardly sufficient to maintain internal control. A key element of this equation is the role of the narco-mafia that operates in the south of the area. Some of the many tensions & high political stakes inherent in the play between rival powers are described in detail here. References. Adapted from the source document.