By Tomáš Šmíd (the 18/09/2013 issue of the CACI Analyst)

 On September 8, the president of Ingushetia was for the first time in history elected by the Ingushetian parliament. The People's Assembly elected the highest representative of this North Caucasian republic, and could choose from three candidates, all of whom were nominated by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. The candidates were Urushan Yevloyev, Magomed Tatriev and the incumbent President of Ingushetia, Yunus-bek Yevkurov. As many observers predicted, Yevkurov won the elections having received 25 out of 27 votes. The remaining two deputies voted for Yevloyev. Yevkurov was inaugurated soon after his election.  

By Dmitry Shlapentokh (the 04/09/2013 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Tajikistan, one of the most impoverished states of Central Asia, has a tense relationship with neighboring Uzbekistan and faces a potential threat from Islamist radicals from Afghanistan, a threat that will most likely increase after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014. Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rakhmon has been on an endless search for geopolitical partnerships. While China, the U.S. and Iran are all seen as potential partners, Russia remains Tajikistan’s principal patron. Yet, Dushanbe’s own demands for bilateral security arrangements have antagonized Moscow, which is increasingly threatening to deport Tajik migrant workers as a means for influencing Dushanbe’s policies. 

By Rafis Abazov and Arystanbek Mukhamediuly (the 04/09/2013 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Kazakhstan plans to host World EXPO under the theme “Energy of the Future” in 2017 as part of its ambitious Innovation Strategy, designed to develop skill-intensive sectors and to promote innovative businesses, especially in the alternative energy sector. In preparation for the event, the Kazakh government plans to spend between US$ 3 and 5 billion on alternative energy development and infrastructure, respectively. Opinions in the country are deeply divided. Some believe that this is an excellent opportunity to promote targeted industries and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the alternative energy sector. Others are very skeptical, considering it likely to become another white elephant with little impact on Kazakhstan’s national economy.