By Haroun Mir (5/30/2007 issue of the CACI Analyst)
The Turkish effort to reinvigorate negotiations between the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan, after talks under the auspices of George W. Bush last October had failed, provides hope for building a constructive dialogue between the two nations. A further deterioration of relations between the two countries would only embolden religious extremists who threaten the stability of both countries.
By Fariz Ismailzade (5/30/2007 issue of the CACI Analyst)
As Armenia’s parliamentary elections were held, a period dating back to late 2005 ended without the much-expected achievements in the peace process in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Both Presidents continue to remain hostage to their nationalistic crowds at home, which refuse to accept any serious concessions. The public is unprepared for the compromises that will be actualized in 2009, when the peace process is likely to pick up speed after presidential elections are held in both countries.
By Haroun Mir (4/19/2007 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Recently, important international and local players in the Afghan political arena have brought up the prospect of talks with moderate Taliban leaders. President Hamid Karzai has publicly announced that he has been in contact for some time with Taliban representatives. Also, a number of political and military experts from NATO countries are increasingly favoring dialogue with moderate Taliban figures.
By Christopher Boucek (4/19/2007 issue of the CACI Analyst)
On April 16th, recently elected Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov concluded a four-day visit to Saudi Arabia, his first trip abroad as head of state. It is noteworthy—albeit not entirely surprising—that Berdymukhammedov’s first foreign destination was Saudi Arabia, and not Moscow or Beijing. The trip was focused on two objectives: bolstering the president’s Muslim credentials and expanding bilateral cooperation and investment in the Turkmen energy sector.
The Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst is a biweekly publication of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute & Silk Road Studies Program, a Joint Transatlantic Research and Policy Center affiliated with the American Foreign Policy Council, Washington DC., and the Institute for Security and Development Policy, Stockholm. For 15 years, the Analyst has brought cutting edge analysis of the region geared toward a practitioner audience.
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