ABSTRACT
The geostrategic importance of Central Asia has changed dramatically in recent years. Cultural, economic, political, and social stability is fragile and elusive in Central Asia. The implosion of the former Soviet Union in 1992 threw the nations of the area into a period of uncertainty and transition continuing into the present. Historically, Central Asia was often described as the battleground for a Great Game of political intrigue between nations, and this dynamic of intrigue has returned again with Russia, China, Iran, and the United States involved in efforts to gain increasing influence at these crossroads between Europe and Asia. Rashid writes that it is “almost certain to become a new global battleground.”1 Although progress is desirable, even more important to the world powers of today is that Central Asia does not destabilize any further and become a chaotic breeding ground for terrorist zealotry and despotic aggressors.
