By Timur Dadabaev (3/9/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: With independence in 1991, the government in Uzbekistan assumed the leading role in conducting economic and political reforms in the country. Due to this and other factors, the state retained its legitimacy in the eyes of people as an organization providing for their needs. The present poll demonstrated that a majority of those asked remain somewhat confident with the central government (57.

By Hooman Peimani (3/9/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: As a regional power, Pakistan has sought to increase its presence in the Central Asian countries since their independence in 1991. This policy has reflected certain Pakistani objectives, i.e.

By Mamuka Tsereteli (3/9/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: The first major entry by Russian companies into the Georgian economy took place under the earlier Shevardnadze regime. In the summer of 2003, United Energy Systems (UES), a power company majority-owned by the Russian government, purchased Tbilisi electricity distribution company Telasi and the 9th (the only one in working condition) block of the Gardabani Power station from the American AES Corporation. RAO UES also received the right to manage hydroelectric power stations Khrami-1 and Khrami-2, and through its 50 percent of the shares in the Sakrusenergo joint venture, acquired ownership of 50% of all the 500 kw power lines in Georgia.