Tag: central asia

A New Eastern Mediterranean Strategic Matrix Is Evolving

Commentary Major, separate transformations are emerging in the domestic political landscapes of Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Cyprus, and Greece. These, coupled with transformations in “great power” influences in the broader Eastern Mediterranean region, will shape the European energy markets, and the relative influence of the United States, Russia, the People’s Republic of China, and Iran….


Russia Emerges as a Victor in the Endless, Vital Great Game

Commentary Russia appears to have finally won secure access to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the goal it has pursued vigorously since the 17th century. The old Great Game may be over, but a new one has begun. Russia’s new strategic logistical link and political alliances southward to the Indian Ocean have resulted…


Russian Absence From Central Asia-China Summit Points to CCP’s Regional Ambitions

The Central Asia-China Summit closed in China on May 19 but Vladimir Putin was not invited, with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) deliberately sidelining Russia, an important regional power. The CCP hosted the five Central Asian countries in Xi’an, the starting point of the Silk Road, with a luxurious feast in the Tang Palace. Invited…


Impose Secondary Sanctions on the Business Partners of Russia and China

Commentary Western sanctions on Russia have loopholes through which a self-driving truck with haywire AI could drive. Businesses in Central Asia, for example, openly advertise online about how they serve as transshipment points to evade U.S. and EU sanctions “100 percent.” The statistics back them up. As soon as the sanctions took effect, imports of…


The New Global Battlefield: Eurasia’s Reemerging Heartland

Commentary Leaders of Central Asia’s five independent states will meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping for a critical summit on May 18–19 in China’s Xi’an city. The five states are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It is critical because Xi recognizes that Central Asia holds the key to the survival of China and the…


Foreign Politicians and Criminals Using the UK to ‘Loot’ From Their Own Citizens

Politicians and criminals in Central Asia are using the UK’s financial and corporate systems to “loot” money from their own citizens a select committee has heard. The Foreign Affairs Committee heard how Britain was “enabling” corruption in Kazakstan and four other Eurasia republics by allowing dirty foreign money to be cleaned through UK property, bank…


LIVE 2 PM ET: Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee Hearing on Geopolitical Competition and Energy Security in Central Asia

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism subcommittee holds a hearing at 2:00 p.m. ET on March 8 on geopolitical competition and energy security in Central Asia:  “Geopolitical Competition and Energy Security in Central Asia.” Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Assistant…


LIVE NOW: Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee Hearing on Geopolitical Competition and Energy Security in Central Asia

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism subcommittee holds a hearing at 2:00 p.m. ET on March 8 on geopolitical competition and energy security in Central Asia:  “Geopolitical Competition and Energy Security in Central Asia.” Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Assistant…


Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee Hearing on Geopolitical Competition and Energy Security in Central Asia

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism subcommittee holds a hearing at 2:00 p.m. ET on March 8 on geopolitical competition and energy security in Central Asia:  “Geopolitical Competition and Energy Security in Central Asia.” Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Assistant…


Blinken Ends Central Asia Visit Without Changing Minds on Russia, Ukraine

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up a two-day visit to Central Asia after meeting the leaders of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. He also met with his counterparts from the C5+1 group of nations, comprising Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and the United States. Blinken’s visit was widely seen as an effort to woo Central…