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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated April 5, 2007]
From the Summary: "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. The United States has pursued close ties with Armenia to encourage its democratization and because of concerns by Armenian-Americans and others over its fate. Close ties with Georgia have evolved from U.S. contacts with its pro-Western leadership. The Bush Administration supports U.S. private investment in Azerbaijan's energy sector as a means of increasing the diversity of world energy suppliers and to encourage building multiple energy pipelines to world markets. The United States has been active in diplomatic efforts to end conflicts in the region, several of which remain unresolved. […] Key issues in the 110th Congress regarding the South Caucasus are likely to focus on bolstering Georgia's democratization and security; Azerbaijan's energy development; and Armenia's independence and economic development. At the same time, concerns might include the status of democratization and human rights in Azerbaijan, the on-going Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over the breakaway Nagorno Karabakh region, and threats posed to Georgia by ongoing separatism and Russian actions. Congress will likely scrutinize Armenia's and Georgia's reform progress as recipients of Millennium Challenge Account grants."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2007-04-05
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Uzbekistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [March 9, 2007]
"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 made scant 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. Related products include CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33458, 'Central Asia Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2007-03-09
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Turkmenistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [March 8, 2007]
"This report examines the political, economic, and foreign policies of Turkmenistan, where a leadership succession unfolded 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 [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33458, 'Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2007-03-08
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Kazakhstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [March 7, 2007]
"Kazakhstan is an important power in Central Asia by virtue of its geographic location, large territory, ample natural resources, and economic growth, but it faces ethnic, political, and other challenges to stability. This report discusses U.S. policy and assistance. Basic facts and biographical data are provided. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33458, 'Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2007-03-07
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Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [March 6, 2007]
"This report examines Kyrgyzstan's uneven political and economic reform efforts. 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 [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33458, Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests, by Jim Nichol."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2007-03-06
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Azerbaijan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [March 28, 2007]
"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. This report may be updated. 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.
2007-03
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated February 13, 2007]
"The United States has pursued close ties with Armenia to encourage its democratization and because of concerns by Armenian-Americans and others over its fate. Close ties with Georgia have evolved from U.S. contacts with its pro-Western leadership. The Bush Administration supports U.S. private investment in Azerbaijan's energy sector as a means of increasing the diversity of world energy suppliers and to encourage building multiple energy pipelines to world markets. The United States has been active in diplomatic efforts to end conflicts in the region, several of which remain unresolved. [...] In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the Administration appealed for a national security waiver for Section 907, in consideration of Azerbaijan's support to the international coalition to combat terrorism. In December 2001, Congress approved foreign appropriations for FY2002 (P.L. 107-115) that granted the President authority to waive Section 907, renewable each calendar year under certain conditions. President Bush exercised the waiver most recently in February 2006. 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 and Georgian troops participate in stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Armenian personnel serve in Iraq."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2007-02-13
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Security Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated February 1, 2007]
From the Summary: "The South Caucasus region has been the most unstable in the former Soviet Union in terms of the numbers, intensity, and length of ethnic and civil conflicts. Other emerging or full-blown security problems include crime, corruption, terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and narcotics trafficking. The regional governments have worked to bolster their security by combating terrorism, limiting political dissent they view as threatening, revamping their armed forces, and seeking outside assistance and allies. […] 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.
2007-02-01
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Central Asia's Security: Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated January 26, 2007]
"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. Security in the region is likely in the near term to vary by country, since cooperation among them remains halting. […] Internal political developments in several bordering or close-by states may have a large impact on Central Asian security. These developments include a more authoritarian and globalist Russia, ethnic and political instability in China and Iran, and re-surging drug production and Islamic extremism in Afghanistan. Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the Administration has established bases and other military access in the region for U.S.- led coalition actions in Afghanistan, and it has stressed that the United States will remain interested in the long-term security and stability of the region. U.S. interests in Central Asia include fostering democratization, human rights, free markets, and trade; assisting the development of oil and other resources; and combating terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and drug production and trafficking. The United States seeks to thwart dangers posed to its security by the illicit transfer of strategic missile, nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons technologies, materials, and expertise to terrorist states or groups, and to address threats posed to regional independence by Iran. Some critics counter that the United States has historically had few interests in this region, and advocate only limited U.S. contacts undertaken with Turkey and other friends and allies to ensure U.S. goals. They also argue that the region's energy resources may not measurably enhance U.S. energy security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2007-01-26
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated January 25, 2007]
From the Summary: "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. […] After September 11, U.S. policy emphasized bolstering the security of the Central Asian states to help them combat terrorism, proliferation, and arms trafficking. Other strategic U.S. objectives include promoting democratization, free markets, human rights, and energy development. Administration policy also aims to integrate these states into the international community so that they follow responsible security and other policies, […] The Administration's diverse goals in Central Asia reflect the differing characteristics of these states. […] 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. […] Assistance for border and customs controls and other safeguards to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will likely be ongoing congressional concerns. Congress will continue to contend with balancing its concerns about human rights abuses and lagging democratization against other U.S. interests in continued engagement with Central Asia to advance energy security and prosecute the Global War on Terror."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2007-01-25
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Democracy in Russia: Trends and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated January 23, 2007]
"U.S. attention has focused on Russia's fitful democratization since Russia emerged in 1991 from the collapse of the Soviet Union. Many observers have argued that a democratic Russia with free markets would be a cooperative bilateral and multilateral partner rather than an insular and hostile national security threat. Concerns about democratization progress appeared heightened after Vladimir Putin became president in 2000. Since then, Russians have faced increased government interference in elections and campaigns, restrictions on freedom of the media, largescale human rights abuses in the breakaway Chechnya region, and the forced breakup of Russia's largest private oil firm, Yukos, as an apparent warning to entrepreneurs not to support opposition parties or otherwise challenge government policy. […] The U.S. Administration and Congress have welcomed some cooperation with Russia on vital U.S. national security concerns, including the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), strategic arms reduction, NATO enlargement, and since September 11, 2001, the Global War on Terror. At the same time, the United States has raised increased concerns with Russia over anti-democratic trends, warning that a divergence in democratic values could increasingly stymie U.S.- Russian cooperation. Some U.S. observers have urged restraint in advocating democratization in Russia, lest such efforts harm U.S.-Russian cooperation on vital concerns, while others have urged stronger U.S. advocacy, regardless of possible effects on bilateral relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2007-01-23
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Turkmenistan's Political Succession: Developments and Implications [January 18, 2007]
From the Summary: "This report discusses the political succession in Turkmenistan following the death of long-time authoritarian leader Saparamurad Niyazov in December 2006. Implications for Turkmenistan and U.S. interests in Central Asia are examined. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33458, 'Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests,' by Jim Nichol."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2007-01-18
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Kyrgyzstan's Constitutional Crisis: Context and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated January 5, 2007]
From the Document: "This report examines civil disorder in Kyrgyzstan surrounding the enactment of new constitution providing for greater balance between presidential and legislative powers. This report may be updated. 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.
2007-01-05
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Russia's December 2007 Legislative Election: Outcome and Implications [December 10, 2007]
"This report discusses the campaign and results of Russia's December 2, 2007, election to the State Duma (the lower legislative chamber), and implications for Russia and U.S. interests. Many observers viewed the election as a setback to democratization. Unprecedented for modern Russia, President Vladimir Putin placed himself at the head of the ticket of the United Russia Party. This party won a majority of Duma seats, and Putin was widely viewed as gaining popular endorsement for a possible role in politics even after his constitutionally-limited second term in office ends in early 2008. This report may be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-12-10
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [December 8, 2006]
"The United States recognized the independence of all the former Soviet republics by the end of 1991, including the South Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. 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. The United States has pursued close ties with Armenia to encourage its democratization and because of concerns by Armenian-Americans and others over its fate. Close ties with Georgia have evolved from U.S. contacts with its pro- Western leadership. The Bush Administration supports U.S. private investment in Azerbaijan's energy sector as a means of increasing the diversity of world energy suppliers and to encourage building multiple energy pipelines to world markets. The United States has been active in diplomatic efforts to end conflicts in the region, several of which remain unresolved. The FREEDOM Support Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-511) authorizes assistance to the Eurasian states for humanitarian needs, democratization, creation of market economies, trade and investment, and other purposes. Section 907 of the act prohibits most U.S. government-to-government aid to Azerbaijan until its ceases blockades and other offensive use of force against Armenia. Until the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, this provision had been altered only to permit humanitarian and democratization aid, border security and customs support to promote non-proliferation, Trade and Development Agency aid, Overseas Private Investment Corporation insurance, Export-Import Bank financing, and Foreign Commercial Service activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-12-08
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Kyrgyzstan's Constitutional Crisis: Context and Implications for U.S. Interests [December 4, 2006]
From the Document: "This report examines the civil disorder in Kyrgyzstan in November 2006 that culminated in an agreement on a new constitution that ostensibly provides for greater balance between executive and legislative powers. Implications for Kyrgyzstan and for relations with the United States are examined. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Report 97-690, 'Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests'; and CRS Report RL33458, 'Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests', both by Jim Nichol."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-12-04
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated November 16, 2006]
From the Summary: "The FREEDOM [Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets] Support Act of 1992 (P.L. [Public Law] 102-511) authorizes assistance to the Eurasian states for humanitarian needs, democratization, creation of market economies, trade and investment, and other purposes. Section 907 of the act prohibits most U.S. government-to-government aid to Azerbaijan until its ceases blockades and other offensive use of force against Armenia. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the Administration appealed for a national security waiver for Section 907, in consideration of the country's support to the international coalition to combat terrorism. In December 2001, Congress approved foreign appropriations for FY2002 (P.L. 107-115) that granted the President authority to waive Section 907, renewable each calendar year under certain conditions. President Bush exercised the waiver most recently in February 2006. 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 and Georgian troops participate in stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Armenian personnel serve in Iraq. Some observers argue that developments in the South Caucasus are largely marginal to global anti-terrorism and to U.S. interests in general. They urge great caution in adopting policies that will heavily involve the United States in a region beset by ethnic and civil conflicts. Other observers believe that U.S. policy now requires more active engagement in the region. 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. Some argue that energy resources in the Caspian region are a central U.S. strategic interest."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-11-16
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated November 6, 2006]
"The Administration's diverse goals in Central Asia reflect the differing characteristics of these states. U.S. interests in Kazakhstan include securing and eliminating Soviet-era nuclear and biological weapons materials and facilities. In Tajikistan, U.S. aid focuses on economic reconstruction. U.S. energy firms have invested in oil and natural gas development in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. U.S. relations with Uzbekistan suffered following the Uzbek government's violent crackdown on armed and unarmed protesters in the city of Andijon in May 2005. Some observers call for different emphases or levels of U.S. involvement in the region. There are differing views on whether to strengthen or weaken conditions linking aid to progress in improving human rights or in making adequate progress in democratization and the creation of free markets. There is debate regarding the importance of energy resources in the region to U.S. national security and about whether the risks posed by civil and ethnic tensions in the region outweigh the benefits of U.S. involvement. There are questions about whether U.S. military access is needed after Afghanistan becomes more stable. Heightened congressional interest in Central Asian (and South Caucasian) states was reflected in passage of 'Silk Road' language in 1999 (P.L. 106-113) authorizing enhanced U.S. policy attention and aid to support conflict amelioration, humanitarian needs, economic development, transport (including energy pipelines) and communications, border controls, democracy, and the creation of civil societies in these countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-11-06
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated October 20, 2006]
"The United States recognized the independence of all the former Soviet republics by the end of 1991, including the South Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. 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. The United States has pursued close ties with Armenia to encourage its democratization and because of concerns by Armenian-Americans and others over its fate. Close ties with Georgia have evolved from U.S. contacts with its pro- Western leadership. The Bush Administration supports U.S. private investment in Azerbaijan's energy sector as a means of increasing the diversity of world energy suppliers and to encourage building multiple energy pipelines to world markets. The United States has been active in diplomatic efforts to end conflicts in the region, several of which remain unresolved…. Some observers argue that developments in the South Caucasus are largely marginal to global anti-terrorism and to U.S. interests in general. They urge great caution in adopting policies that will heavily involve the United States in a region beset by ethnic and civil conflicts. Other observers believe that U.S. policy now requires more active engagement in the region. 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. Some argue that energy resources in the Caspian region are a central U.S. strategic interest."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-10-20
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Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [October 5, 2006]
"This report examines Kyrgyzstan's uneven political and economic reform efforts. 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 Report RL33458, 'Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests', by Jim Nichol."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-10-05
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated September 7, 2006]
From the Summary: "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. […] Some observers call for different emphases or levels of U.S. involvement in the region. There are differing views on whether to strengthen or weaken conditions linking aid to progress in improving human rights and making adequate progress in democratization and the creation of free markets. There is debate regarding the importance of energy resources in the region to U.S. national security and about whether the risks posed by civil and ethnic tensions in the region outweigh the benefits of U.S. involvement. There are questions about whether U.S. military access will be needed after Afghanistan becomes more stable. Heightened congressional interest in Central Asian (and South Caucasian) states was reflected in passage of 'Silk Road' language in 1999 (P.L. [Public Law] 106-113) authorizing enhanced U.S. policy attention and aid to support conflict amelioration, humanitarian needs, economic development, transport (including energy pipelines) and communications, border controls, democracy, and the creation of civil societies in these countries. This CRS [Congressional Research Service] report replaces CRS Issue Brief IB93108, 'Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests', by Jim Nichol."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-09-07
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated August 31, 2006]
From the Summary: "In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the Administration appealed for a national security waiver for Section 907, in consideration of the country's support to the international coalition to combat terrorism. In December 2001, Congress approved foreign appropriations for FY2002 (P.L. [Public Law] 107-115) that granted the President authority to waive Section 907, renewable each calendar year under certain conditions. President Bush exercised the waiver most recently in February 2006. 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 and Georgian troops participate in stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Armenian personnel serve in Iraq. Some observers argue that developments in the South Caucasus are largely marginal to global anti-terrorism and to U.S. interests in general. They urge great caution in adopting policies that will heavily involve the United States in a region beset by ethnic and civil conflicts. Other observers believe that U.S. policy now requires more active engagement in the region. 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. Some argue that energy resources in the Caspian region are a central U.S. strategic interest."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-08-31
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Democracy in Russia: Trends and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated August 29, 2006]
"U.S. attention has focused on Russia's fitful democratization since Russia emerged in 1991 from the collapse of the Soviet Union. Many observers have argued that a democratic Russia with free markets would be a cooperative bilateral and multilateral partner rather than an insular and hostile national security threat. Democratization faced challenges following terrorist attacks in Russia that culminated in the deaths of hundreds of school-children in the town of Beslan in September 2004. President Putin almost immediately proposed restructuring the government and strengthening federal powers to better counter such terrorist threats. The restructuring included integrating security agencies, switching to party list voting for the Duma eliminating direct elections of the heads of federal subunits, and asserting greater presidential control over civil society by creating a 'Public Chamber' consultative group of largely government-approved non-governmental organizations. All the proposals had been enacted into law or otherwise implemented by early 2006. The U.S. Administration and Congress have welcomed some cooperation with Russia on vital U.S. national security concerns, including the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), strategic arms reduction, NATO enlargement, and since September 11, 2001, the Global War on Terror. At the same time, the United States has raised increased concerns with Russia over anti-democratic trends, warning that a divergence in democratic values could eventually harm U.S.-Russian cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-08-29
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated August 4, 2006]
"The Administration's diverse goals in Central Asia reflect the differing characteristics of these states. U.S. interests in Kazakhstan include securing and eliminating Soviet-era nuclear and biological weapons materials and facilities. In Tajikistan, U.S. aid focuses on economic reconstruction. U.S. energy firms have invested in oil and natural gas development in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. U.S. relations with Uzbekistan suffered following the Uzbek government's violent crackdown on armed and unarmed protesters in the city of Andijon in May 2005. Some observers call for different emphases or levels of U.S. involvement in the region. There are differing views on whether to strengthen or weaken conditions linking aid to progress in improving human rights or in making adequate progress in democratization and the creation of free markets. There is debate regarding the importance of energy resources in the region to U.S. national security and about whether the risks posed by civil and ethnic tensions in the region outweigh the benefits of U.S. involvement. There are questions about whether U.S. military access is needed after Afghanistan becomes more stable. Heightened congressional interest in Central Asian (and South Caucasian) states was reflected in passage of 'Silk Road' language in 1999 (P.L. 106-113) authorizing enhanced U.S. policy attention and aid to support conflict amelioration, humanitarian needs, economic development, transport (including energy pipelines) and communications, border controls, democracy, and the creation of civil societies in these countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-08-04
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Security Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated August 1, 2006]
"The South Caucasus region has been the most unstable in the former Soviet Union in terms of the numbers, intensity, and length of ethnic and civil conflicts. Other emerging or full-blown security problems include crime, corruption, terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and narcotics trafficking. The regional governments have worked to bolster their security by combating terrorism, limiting political dissent they view as threatening, revamping their armed forces, and seeking outside assistance and allies. The roles of neighbors Iran, Russia, and Turkey have been of deep security concern to one or more of the states of the region. These and other major powers, primarily the United States and European Union (EU) members, have pursued differing interests and policies toward the three states. Some officials in Russia view the region as a traditional sphere of influence, while Turkish officials tend to stress common ethnic ties with Azerbaijan and most of Central Asia. EU members are increasingly addressing instability in what they view as a far corner of Europe. Armenia has pursued close ties with Russia and Iran in part to counter Azerbaijan's ties with Turkey, and Georgia and Azerbaijan have stressed ties with the United States in part to bolster their independence vis-a-vis Russia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-08-01
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated July 24, 2006]
"The United States recognized the independence of all the former Soviet republics by the end of 1991, including the South Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. 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. The United States has pursued close ties with Armenia to encourage its democratization and because of concerns by Armenian-Americans and others over its fate. Close ties with Georgia have evolved from U.S. contacts with its pro-Western leadership. The Bush Administration supports U.S. private investment in Azerbaijan's energy sector as a means of increasing the diversity of world energy suppliers and to encourage building multiple energy pipelines to world markets. The United States has been active in diplomatic efforts to end conflicts in the region, several of which remain unresolved."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-07-24
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated June 29, 2006]
"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. Soon after the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, all the Central Asian states offered overflight and other support to coalition anti-terrorist efforts in Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan hosted coalition troops and provided access to airbases. In 2003, Uzbekistan endorsed coalition military action in Iraq; Kazakhstan provided about two dozen troops for rebuilding. After September 11, 2001, U.S. policy emphasized bolstering the security of the Central Asian states to help them combat terrorism, proliferation, and arms trafficking. Other strategic U.S. objectives include promoting democratization, free markets, human rights, and energy development. Administration policy also aims to integrate these states into the international community so that they follow responsible security and other policies, and to discourage the growth of xenophobic, fundamentalist, and anti-Western orientations that threaten peace and stability."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-06-29
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Turkmenistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated June 21, 2006]
"This report examines the political and economic policies of Turkmenistan's authoritarian President Saparmurad Niyazov. It discusses U.S. policy and assistance and provides basic facts and biographical information."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-06-21
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [June 5, 2006]
"On June 2, 2006, Kyrgyz authorities announced that two days of talks with a visiting U.S. delegation on the status of the U.S.-led coalition airbase at Manas had gone well and would be continued. In light of this progress, Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev lifted a warning that the base might be closed if the United States did not agree by June 1 on higher lease payments. The European Union warned the Kyrgyz government on May 2 that 'there are worrying indications that circles connected with organized crime are attempting to gain influence over political life and state institutions' and urged the government to combat this growing crime and political violence. The U.S. Ambassador on April 17 also had raised concerns that crime and corruption increasingly threaten Kyrgyzstan's stability. Days before, there had been an assassination attempt against democracy and human rights advocate Edil Baysalov, after he had met with visiting U.S.
Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher and reportedly warned him that
democratization in Kyrgyzstan was faltering. According to a report issued by the non-governmental organization Global Witness in late April 2006, Turkmen President Saparamurad Niyazov personally controls a vast portion of the wealth generated from natural gas exports. The report also raises concerns about the involvement of alleged organized crime groups in the export business and urges the European Union to limit trade ties with Turkmenistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-06-05
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [June 2, 2006]
From the Summary: "The United States recognized the independence of all the former Soviet republics by the end of 1991, including the South Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. 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. The United States has pursued close ties with Armenia to encourage its democratization and because of concerns by Armenian-Americans and others over its fate. Close ties with Georgia have evolved from U.S. contacts with its pro- Western leadership. The Bush Administration supports U.S. private investment in Azerbaijan's energy sector as a means of increasing the diversity of world energy suppliers and to encourage building multiple energy pipelines to world markets. The United States has been active in diplomatic efforts to end conflicts in the region, many of which remain unresolved. The FREEDOM [Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets] Support Act of 1992 (P.L. [Public Law] 102-511) provides authorization for assistance to the Eurasian states for humanitarian needs, democratization, creation of market economies, trade and investment, and other purposes. Section 907 of the act prohibits most U.S. government-to-government aid to Azerbaijan until its ceases blockades and other offensive use of force against Armenia. This provision has been partly altered over the years to permit humanitarian aid and democratization aid, border security and customs support to promote nonproliferation, Trade and Development Agency aid, Overseas Private Investment Corporation insurance, Eximbank financing, and Foreign Commercial Service activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2006-06-02
