ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book deals with different political, economic, social, and cultural problems, all provide evidence of the Soviet regime's unsuccessful attempt to control Central Asia in such a way as to transform it in accordance with the aims of the Communist Party leadership. It illustrates, the regime expended tremendous amounts of energy and resources attempting to make Central Asians feel that they belonged to a "Soviet" community. The book demonstrates that Soviet Central Asians maintain a strong sense of Islamic identity. It explains that glasnost and other policy changes have made it much easier for Central Asian Muslims to practice Islam and learn about it, thus reinforcing the sense of "Islamic" belonging. The book also demonstrates that, local identities have played an important role in Moscow's ability to "play off" competing political elites one against the other.
