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Uzbekistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [September 17, 2009]
"Uzbekistan is a potential Central Asian regional power by virtue of its relatively large population, energy and other resources, and location in the heart of the region. However, it has failed to make progress in economic and political reforms, and many observers criticize its human rights record. This report discusses U.S. policy and assistance and basic facts and biographical information are provided. Related products include CRS Report RL33458, Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests, by Jim Nichol."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-09-17
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Turkmenistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [September 10, 2009]
"This report examines the political, economic, and foreign policies undertaken by Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who came to power in late 2006. The report discusses U.S. policy and assistance and provides basic facts and biographical information. It may be updated. Related products include CRS Report RL33458, Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-09-10
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Azerbaijan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated September 4, 2009]
"This report discusses political, economic, and security challenges facing Azerbaijan, including the unsettled conflict in the breakaway Nagorno Karabakh region. A table provides basic facts and biographical information. Related products include CRS Report RL33453, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests, by Jim Nichol."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-09-04
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated August 6, 2009]
"Key issues in the 111th Congress regarding the South Caucasus are likely to focus on supporting Georgia's integration into Western institutions, including NATO; Azerbaijan's energy development; and Armenia's independence and economic development. At the same time, concerns might include the status of human rights and democratization in the countries; the ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over the breakaway Nagorno Karabakh region; and threats posed to Georgia and the region by Russia's August 2008 military incursion and its diplomatic recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Congress will likely scrutinize Armenia's and Georgia's reform progress as recipients of Millennium Challenge Account grants. Some Members of Congress believe that the United States should provide greater attention to the region's increasing role as an east-west trade and security corridor linking the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions, and to Armenia's inclusion in such links. They urge greater U.S. aid and conflict resolution efforts to contain warfare, crime, smuggling, and Islamic extremism and to bolster the independence of the states. Others urge caution in adopting policies that will heavily involve the United States in a region beset by ethnic and civil conflicts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-08-06
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Tajikistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [July 29, 2009]
This Congressional Research Report "outlines 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 Report RL33458, Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests, updated regularly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-07-29
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated July 13, 2009]
From the report: "Key issues in the 111th Congress regarding the South Caucasus are likely to focus on supporting Georgia's integration into Western institutions, including NATO; Azerbaijan's energy development; and Armenia's independence and economic development. At the same time, concerns might include the status of human rights and democratization in the countries; the ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over the breakaway Nagorno Karabakh region; and threats posed to Georgia and the region by Russia's military incursion in August 2008 and its diplomatic recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Congress will likely scrutinize Armenia's and Georgia's reform progress as recipients of Millennium Challenge Account grants. Some Members of Congress believe that the United States should provide greater attention to the region's increasing role as an east-west trade and security corridor linking the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions, and to Armenia's inclusion in such links. They urge greater U.S. aid and conflict resolution efforts to contain warfare, crime, smuggling, and Islamic extremism and to bolster the independence of the states. Others urge caution in adopting policies that will heavily involve the United States in a region beset by ethnic and civil conflicts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-07-13
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Kyrgyzstan and the Status of the U.S. Manas Airbase: Context and Implications [July 1, 2009]
From the Document: "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. U.S. forces faced leaving the airbase by late August 2009. Major U.S. concerns included working out alternative logistics routes and support functions for a surge in U.S. and NATO operations in Afghanistan and possibly cooler security ties with Kyrgyzstan that could set back U.S. counter-terrorism efforts and other U.S. interests in Central Asia. After reportedly intense negotiations, the United States and Kyrgyzstan reached agreement in June 2009 on modalities for maintaining U.S. and NATO transit operations at Manas. For more on Central Asia, see CRS Report RL33458, Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests, by Jim Nichol."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-07-01
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [May 28, 2009]
"After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States recognized the independence of all the former Central Asian republics, supported their admission into Western organizations, and elicited regional support to counter Iranian influence in the region. Congress was at the forefront in urging the formation of coherent U.S. policies for aiding these and other Eurasian states of the former Soviet Union. Soon after the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, all the Central Asian states offered overflight and other support for coalition anti-terrorism efforts in Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan hosted coalition troops and provided access to airbases. In 2003, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also endorsed coalition military action in Iraq. About two dozen Kazakhstani troops served in Iraq until late 2008. Uzbekistan rescinded U.S. basing rights in 2005 after the United States criticized the reported killing of civilians in the town of Andijon. Kyrgyzstan rescinded U.S. basing rights in 2009, allegedly because of Russian inducements and U.S. reluctance to meet Kyrgyz requests for greatly increased lease payments. U.S. policy has emphasized bolstering the security of the Central Asian 'front-line' states to help them combat terrorism, proliferation, and arms and drug trafficking. Other U.S. objectives have included promoting free markets, democratization, human rights, energy development, and the forging of east-west and Central Asia-South Asia trade links. Such policies aim to help the states become what various U.S. Administrations have considered to be responsible members of the international community rather than to degenerate into xenophobic, extremist, and anti-Western regimes that threaten international peace and stability."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-05-28
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Kyrgyzstan's Closure of the Manas Airbase: Context and Implications [May 4, 2009]
This report identifies the potential issues associated with raising security and foreign assistant appropriations for Kyrgyzstan if the Manas airbase remains open. "If closed, concerns also may well include possibly enhanced military operations costs after logistics routes and support are shifted from Manas. […] 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. counter-terrorism efforts and other U.S. interests in Central Asia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-05-04
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated April 17, 2009]
This CRS report provides updated information about the regional developments occurring in Central Asia and the implications for U.S. policy in this region. "After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States recognized the independence of all the former Central Asian republics, supported their admission into Western organizations, and elicited Turkish support to counter Iranian influence in the region. Congress was at the forefront in urging the formation of coherent U.S. policies for aiding these and other Eurasian states of the former Soviet Union." Recent U.S. policy "has emphasized bolstering the security of the Central Asian 'front-line' states to help them combat terrorism, proliferation, and arms trafficking. Other U.S. objectives have included promoting free markets, democratization, human rights, energy development, and the forging of east-west and Central Asia-South Asia trade and transport linkages. Such policies aim to help the states become what the Administration considers to be responsible members of the international community rather than to degenerate into xenophobic, extremist, and anti-Western regimes that threaten international peace and stability. [...] The second session of the 110th Congress is likely to continue to be at the forefront in advocating increased U.S. ties with Central Asia, and in providing backing for use of the region as a staging area for supporting U.S.-led stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. Congress is likely to pursue these goals through hearings and legislation on humanitarian assistance, economic development, security issues, human rights, and democratization."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-04-17
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State Health Reform Strategies [April 14, 2009]
"This report identifies general approaches proposed at the state level to reform health insurance, and describes selected reform strategies. These descriptions are intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive. They include examples of both common and innovative initiatives to reflect the diversity of reform approaches, in terms of scope, policy levers used, and populations affected. The reform strategies have been identified according to targeted stakeholder groups: consumers, employers, purchasers of health coverage, and health plans. In addition, the report explores key design and implementation challenges related to coverage and cost, and provides a succinct state example for each reform strategy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-04-14
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated April 9, 2009]
This report discusses past and recent developments of the political relations between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. "Key issues in the 111th Congress regarding the South Caucasus are likely to focus on supporting Georgia's integration into Western institutions, including NATO; Azerbaijan's energy development; and Armenia's independence and economic development. At the same time, concerns might include the status of human rights and democratization in the countries; the ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over the breakaway Nagorno Karabakh region; and threats posed to Georgia and the region by Russia's military incursion in August 2008 and its diplomatic recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Congress will likely scrutinize Armenia's and Georgia's reform progress as recipients of Millennium Challenge Account grants. Some Members of Congress believe that the United States should provide greater attention to the region's increasing role as an east-west trade and security corridor linking the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions, and to Armenia's inclusion in such links. They urge greater U.S. aid and conflict resolution efforts to contain warfare, crime, smuggling, and Islamic extremism and to bolster the independence of the states. Others urge caution in adopting policies that will heavily involve the United States in a region beset by ethnic and civil conflicts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-04-09
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Stability in Russia's Chechnya and Other Regions of the North Caucasus: Recent Developments [April 3, 2009]
"In recent years, major terrorist attacks have abated in Russia's North Caucasus-a border area between the Black and Caspian Seas that includes the formerly breakaway Chechnya and other ethnic-based regions-although small-scale attacks reportedly continue. Previous major terrorist attacks included the June 2004 raid on security offices in the town of Nazran (in Ingushetia), where nearly 100 security personnel and civilians were killed, and the September 2004 attack at the Beslan grade school (in North Ossetia), where 300 or more civilians were killed. The dearth of such attacks might in part be attributed to government tactics, including over a thousand sweep operations ('zachistki') carried out in the North Caucasus. During these operations, security forces surround a village and search all the citizens, ostensibly in a bid to apprehend terrorists. Critics of the operations allege that the security forces frequently engage in pillaging and gratuitous violence and are responsible for kidnapping for ransom and 'disappearances' of civilians. Through these sweeps, as well as through direct clashes, most of the masterminds of major terrorist attacks have been killed. Besides the apparently frequent small-scale attacks against government targets in several regions of the North Caucasus, many ethnic Russian and other non-native civilians have been murdered or have disappeared, which has spurred the migration of most of the non-native population from the North Caucasus. Russian authorities argue that foreign terrorist groups continue to operate in the North Caucasus and to receive outside financial and material assistance. Some observers warn that rising popular discontent might contribute to the re-emergence of major terrorism in the North Caucasus."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-04-03
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Georgia [Republic] and NATO Enlargement: Issues and Implications [March 7, 2008]
From the Summary: "This report examines the aspirations of Georgia [Republic] to become a member of NATO. Issues related to Georgia's reform progress, Georgia-Russia relations, and U.S. policy are examined. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Report RL34701, NATO Enlargement: Albania, Croatia, and Possible Future Candidates, by Vincent Morelli et al."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-03-06
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Russia-Georgia Conflict in August 2008: Context and Implications for U.S. Interests [March 3, 2009]
This Congressional Research Service (CRS) report analyzes the recent Russian-Georgian conflict in the Georgian province of South Ossetia. It does so by offering a background of the conflict, a description of the conflict, and what implications the aftermath will have for the two countries involved and the United States. From the text: "On August 12, Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev declared that 'the aim of Russia's operation for coercing the Georgian side to peace had been achieved and it had been decided to conclude the operation.... The aggressor has been punished.' Medvedev endorsed some elements of a European Union (EU) peace plan presented by visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The plan calls for both sides to cease hostilities and pull troops back to positions they held before the conflict began. It calls for allowing humanitarian aid and facilitating the return of displaced persons. It calls for the immediate withdrawal of Russian combat troops from Georgia, but allows Russian 'peacekeepers' to remain and to patrol in a larger security zone outside South Ossetia. The plan also may provide for a possibly greater international role in peace talks and peacekeeping, both of seminal Georgian interest. On August 15, Secretary Rice traveled to Tbilisi and obtained Saakashvili's agreement to the plan. On August 22, the Russian military withdrew from some areas but also continued to occupy other areas. On August 25, President Medvedev declared that 'humanitarian reasons' led him to recognize the independence of the regions. This recognition has been widely condemned by the United States and the international community."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-03-03
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Central Asia's Security: Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests [February 25, 2009]
"This report discusses the internal and external security concerns of the Central Asian states. […] The Central Asian region--bordering regional powers Russia, China, and Iran--is an age-old east-west and north-south trade and transport crossroads." The Central Asian states include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. "Security concerns faced by the states include mixes of social disorder, crime, corruption, terrorism, ethnic and civil conflict, border tensions, water and transport disputes, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and trafficking in illegal narcotics and persons. The Central Asian states have tried with varying success to bolster their security forces and regional cooperation to deal with these threats. The United States has provided assistance for these efforts and boosted such aid and involvement after the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, but questions remain about what should be the appropriate level and scope of U.S. interest and presence in the region."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-02-25
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Security Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated January 14, 2009]
This Congressional Research Service (CRS) report covers security issues related to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. "The United States has supported democratization, the creation of free markets, conflict resolution, regional cooperation, and the integration of the South Caucasian states into the larger world community. The Administration has backed regional energy and pipeline development that does not give Iran and Russia undue political or economic influence. U.S. aid has been provided to bolster the security and independence of the states. All three regional states have supported the Global War on Terrorism, including by sending troops to assist the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq. Congress has been at the forefront in supporting U.S. assistance to bolster independence and reforms in the South Caucasus, but debate has continued over the scope, emphasis, and effectiveness of U.S. involvement. Congressional support for the security of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh (NK; a breakaway region of Azerbaijan mostly populated by ethnic Armenians) led in 1992 to a ban on most U.S. government-to-government aid to Azerbaijan. Congress authorized a presidential waiver to the ban after the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, to facilitate U.S.-Azerbaijan anti-terrorism cooperation. Congressional support for U.S. engagement with the region also was reflected in 'Silk Road Strategy' legislation in FY2000 (P.L. 106-113) authorizing greater policy attention and aid for conflict amelioration, humanitarian needs, economic development, transport and communications, border control, democracy, and the creation of civil societies in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Congress regularly has earmarked foreign aid to Armenia and upheld a South Caucasus funding category to encourage conflict resolution, provide for reconstruction assistance, and facilitate regional economic integration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2009-01-14
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Georgia [Republic]: Current Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated December 10, 2008]
"This report examines Georgia's efforts to democratize and bolster its free market economy, while surmounting the damage caused by Russia's military incursion in August 2008, Russia's narrowing tutelage over Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Russia's ongoing economic sanctions, and the global economic crisis. U.S. policy and assistance are discussed. Basic facts and biographical information are provided. This report may be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-12-10
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated November 6, 2008]
This CRS report explores interests and security concerns for the U.S. IN Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. "The United States recognized the independence of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia when the former Soviet Union broke up at the end of 1991. The United States has fostered these states' ties with the West in part to end the dependence of these states on Russia for trade, security, and other relations. […] As part of the U.S. Global War on Terror, the U.S. military in 2002 began providing equipment and training for Georgia's military and security forces. Azerbaijani troops participate in stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Armenian and Georgian personnel have served in Iraq. Georgia's troops left Iraq in August 2008, to help provide homeland security in the wake of Russia's invasion and partial occupation of Georgia. […] Key issues in the 2nd Session of the 110th Congress regarding the South Caucasus are likely to focus on supporting Georgia's integration into Western institutions, including NATO; Azerbaijan's energy development; and Armenia's independence and economic development. […] Some Members of Congress believe that the United States should provide greater attention to the region's increasing role as an east-west trade and security corridor linking the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions, and to Armenia's inclusion in such links. They urge greater U.S. aid and conflict resolution efforts to contain warfare, crime, smuggling, and Islamic extremism and to bolster the independence of the states. Others urge caution in adopting policies that will heavily involve the United States in a region beset by ethnic and civil conflicts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-11-06
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Azerbaijan's October 2008 Presidential Election: Outcome and Implications [October 27, 2008]
"This report discusses the win by incumbent Ilkham Aliyev in Azerbaijan's October
15, 2008, presidential election. It describes the campaign and results, and examines
implications for Azerbaijani and U.S. interests. This report will not be updated. Related
reports include CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33453, 'Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia,' updated
regularly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-10-27
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Russia-Georgia Conflict in South Ossetia: Context and Implications for U.S. Interests [October 24, 2008]
"In the early 1990s, Georgia and its breakaway South Ossetia region had agreed to a Russian-mediated ceasefire that provided for Russian 'peacekeepers' to be stationed in the region. Moscow extended citizenship and passports to most ethnic Ossetians. Simmering long-time tensions erupted on the evening of August 7, 2008, when South Ossetia and Georgia accused each other of launching intense artillery barrages against each other. Georgia claims that South Ossetian forces did not respond to a ceasefire appeal but intensified their shelling, 'forcing' Georgia to send in troops. On August 8, Russia launched large-scale air attacks and dispatched troops to South Ossetia that engaged Georgian forces later in the day. By the morning of August 10, Russian troops had occupied the bulk of South Ossetia, reached its border with the rest of Georgia, and were shelling areas across the border. Russian troops occupied several Georgian cities. Russian warships landed troops in Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia region and took up positions off Georgia's Black Sea coast. […] On August 13, President Bush announced that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would travel to France and Georgia to assist with the peace plan and that Defense Secretary Robert Gates would direct U.S. humanitarian aid shipments to Georgia. Secretary Rice proposed a multi-year $1 billion aid plan for Georgia on September 3, and Vice President Cheney visited Georgia on September 4 to assure that 'America will help Georgia rebuild.' The Defense Department announced on September 8 that it had completed deliveries of humanitarian aid and would later send in a team to assess security assistance needs. Several Members of Congress visited Georgia in the wake of the conflict and legislation has been passed in support of Georgia's territorial integrity and independence."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-10-24
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NATO Enlargement: Albania, Croatia, and Possible Future Candidates [October 6, 2008]
"At the April 2-4, 2008, NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, a principal issue was consideration of the candidacies for membership of Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia. The allies agreed to extend invitations to Albania and Croatia. Although the alliance determined that Macedonia met the qualifications for NATO membership, Greece blocked the invitation due to an enduring dispute over Macedonia's name. After formal accession talks, on July 9, 2008, the foreign ministers of Albania and Croatia and the permanent representatives of the current 26 NATO allies signed accession protocols amending the North Atlantic Treaty to permit Albania and Croatia's membership in NATO. To take effect, the protocols must now be ratified, first by current NATO members, then by Albania and Croatia. Albania and Croatia are small states with correspondingly small militaries, and their inclusion in NATO cannot be considered militarily strategic. However, it is possible that their membership could play a political role in stabilizing southeastern Europe."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woehrel, Steven J.; Nichol, James P.; Ek, Carl . . .
2008-10-06
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated September 24, 2008]
This is an updated report from the Congressional Research Service about the implications for the United States of political developments in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and also how they relate to the War on Terror. "The United States recognized the independence of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia when the former Soviet Union broke up at the end of 1991. The United States has fostered these states' ties with the West in part to end the dependence of these states on Russia for trade, security, and other relations. […] As part of the U.S. Global War on Terror, the U.S. military in 2002 began providing equipment and training for Georgia's military and security forces. Azerbaijani troops participate in stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Armenian and Georgian personnel have served in Iraq. Georgia's troops left Iraq in August 2008, to help provide homeland security in the wake of Russia's invasion and partial occupation of Georgia. […] Key issues in the 2nd Session of the 110th Congress regarding the South Caucasus are likely to focus on supporting Georgia's integration into Western institutions, including NATO; Azerbaijan's energy development; and Armenia's independence and economic development. […] Some Members of Congress believe that the United States should provide greater attention to the region's increasing role as an east-west trade and security corridor linking the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions, and to Armenia's inclusion in such links. They urge greater U.S. aid and conflict resolution efforts to contain warfare, crime, smuggling, and Islamic extremism and to bolster the independence of the states. Others urge caution in adopting policies that will heavily involve the United States in a region beset by ethnic and civil conflicts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-09-24
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Russia-Georgia Conflict in South Ossetia: Context and Implications for U.S. Interests [September 22, 2008]
"In the early 1990s, Georgia and its breakaway South Ossetia region had agreed to a Russian-mediated ceasefire that provided for Russian 'peacekeepers' to be stationed in the region. Moscow extended citizenship and passports to most ethnic Ossetians. Simmering long-time tensions erupted on the evening of August 7, 2008, when South Ossetia and Georgia accused each other of launching intense artillery barrages against each other. Georgia claims that South Ossetian forces did not respond to a ceasefire appeal but intensified their shelling, 'forcing' Georgia to send in troops. On August 8, Russia launched large-scale air attacks and dispatched troops to South Ossetia that engaged Georgian forces later in the day. By the morning of August 10, Russian troops had occupied the bulk of South Ossetia, reached its border with the rest of Georgia, and were shelling areas across the border. Russian troops occupied several Georgian cities. Russian warships landed troops in Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia region and took up positions off Georgia's Black Sea coast."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-09-22
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Russia-Georgia Conflict in South Ossetia: Context and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated August 29, 2008]
This Congressional Research Service report analyzes the recent Russian-Georgian conflict in the Georgian province of South Ossetia. It does so by offering a background of the conflict, a description of the conflict, and what implications the aftermath will have for the two countries involved and the United States. From the text: "On August 12, Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev declared that 'the aim of Russia's operation for coercing the Georgian side to peace had been achieved and it had been decided to conclude the operation.... The aggressor has been punished.' Medvedev endorsed some elements of a European Union (EU) peace plan presented by visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The plan calls for both sides to cease hostilities and pull troops back to positions they held before the conflict began. It calls for allowing humanitarian aid and facilitating the return of displaced persons. It calls for the immediate withdrawal of Russian combat troops from Georgia, but allows Russian 'peacekeepers' to remain and to patrol in a larger security zone outside South Ossetia. The plan also may provide for a possibly greater international role in peace talks and peacekeeping, both of seminal Georgian interest. On August 15, Secretary Rice traveled to Tbilisi and obtained Saakashvili's agreement to the plan. On August 22, the Russian military withdrew from some areas but also continued to occupy other areas. On August 25, President Medvedev declared that 'humanitarian reasons' led him to recognize the independence of the regions. This recognition has been widely condemned by the United States and the international community."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-08-29
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Uzbekistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [August 27, 2008]
"Uzbekistan is a potential Central Asian regional power by virtue of its relatively large population, energy and other resources, and location in the heart of the region. It has failed to make progress in economic and political reforms, and many observers criticize its human rights record. This report discusses U.S. policy and assistance. Basic facts and biographical information are provided. This report may be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-08-27
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated August 13, 2008]
This CRS report discusses the political developments and implications for U.S. interests in the nations of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The report begins by discussing the recent developments in the area, which includes the Russia-Georgia conflict and the response of the United States to this conflict. The report also discusses the policy concerns of the U.S. in relation to this region and also discusses the relationship between the United States and these three Caucasian states after September 11th and during the U.S.-led Operation Iraqi Freedom [OIF]. Finally, the report examines the U.S. involvement in the areas of aid, security assistance, trade and investment. The report wraps up by providing a list of Congressional legislation passed by the 110th Congress, which deals with these three South Caucasian nations.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-08-13
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Russia-Georgia Conflict in South Ossetia: Context and Implications for U.S. Interests [August 13, 2008]
This CRS report discusses the recent developments in the Russia-South Ossetia conflict. The report begins by offering background and the recent developments leading up to the conflict. It also covers the implications for Georgia and Russia as well as the U.S. response. The report concludes by considering the international response and the view from NATO as well as the U.S. Congressional reaction. "President Bush stated on August 9 that 'Georgia is a sovereign nation, and its territorial integrity must be respected. We have urged an immediate halt to the violence [and] the end of the Russian bombings.' On August 13, he announced that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would travel to France 'to rally the free world in the defense of a free Georgia,' and to Georgia, where the United States was launching a major humanitarian aid effort. Congress had begun its August 2008 recess when the conflict began, but many members spoke out on the issue. Senators John McCain and Barack Obama condemned the Russian military incursion and urged NATO to soon extend a Membership Action Plan to Georgia. On August 12, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joseph Biden warned Russia that its aggression in Georgia jeopardized Congressional support for legislation to collaborate with Russia on nuclear energy production and to repeal the Jackson-Vanik conditions on U.S. trade with Russia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-08-13
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Stability in Russia's Chechnya and Other Regions of the North Caucasus: Recent Developments [August 12, 2008]
This CRS report examines the recent developments that have occurred in the region known as the North Caucuses. The main focus is on the areas of Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan. The report also looks at the causes for instability in the region and the "Implications for Russia" as well as the "implications for U.S. Interests." Furthermore, "in recent years, there have not been major terrorist attacks in Russia's North Caucasus -- a border area between the Black and Caspian Seas that includes the formerly breakaway Chechnya and other ethnic-based regions. This record, in part, might be attributed to government tactics. For instance, the Russian Interior [police] Ministry reported that its troops had conducted over 850 sweep operations ['zachistki'] in 2007 in the North Caucasus, in which they surround a village and search every house, ostensibly in a bid to apprehend terrorists. Critics of the operations allege that the troops frequently engage in pillaging and gratuitous violence and are responsible for kidnapings for ransom and 'disappearances' of civilians. [...] The Bush Administration generally has supported the Russian government's efforts to combat terrorism in the North Caucasus. However, the Administration and Congress also have continued to raise concerns about the wide scope of human rights abuses committed by the Russian government in the North Caucasus. "
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-08-12
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated August 6, 2008]
This CRS report provides updated information about the regional developments occurring in Central Asia and the implications for U.S. policy in this region. "After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States recognized the independence of all the former Central Asian republics, supported their admission into Western organizations, and elicited Turkish support to counter Iranian influence in the region. Congress was at the forefront in urging the formation of coherent U.S. policies for aiding these and other Eurasian states of the former Soviet Union." Recent U.S. policy "has emphasized bolstering the security of the Central Asian 'front-line' states to help them combat terrorism, proliferation, and arms trafficking. Other U.S. objectives have included promoting free markets, democratization, human rights, energy development, and the forging of east-west and Central Asia-South Asia trade and transport linkages. Such policies aim to help the states become what the Administration considers to be responsible members of the international community rather than to degenerate into xenophobic, extremist, and anti-Western regimes that threaten international peace and stability. [...] The second session of the 110th Congress is likely to continue to be at the forefront in advocating increased U.S. ties with Central Asia, and in providing backing for use of the region as a staging area for supporting U.S.-led stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. Congress is likely to pursue these goals through hearings and legislation on humanitarian assistance, economic development, security issues, human rights, and democratization."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-08-06
