Field Reports
AN UNSUCCESSFUL YEAR OF ARMENIAN-IRANIAN COOPERATION
By Haroutiun Khachatrian (11/30/2011 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Although Armenia has no energy resources of its own, it is rich in electricity-producing capacities and other energy infrastructure and is therefore anxious to become a regional hub in the operation of energy transmission and transportation, as well as in transportation of goods. In energy programs, it enjoys the support of two major energy producers, Russia and Iran.
In late 2010 to early 2011, it was reported that four joint Armenian-Iranian projects would be launched in 2011.
GEORGIA, RUSSIA ARRIVE AT WTO DEAL
By Maka Gurgenidze (11/16/2011 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Georgia and Russia signed a bilateral agreement finalizing Russia’s entry terms in the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva on November 9. Tbilisi labeled the deal as a “diplomatic victory” for Georgia. Moscow also hailed the agreement, terming it a “huge success” driving Georgia in the “right direction.
OSH MAYOR WANTS OWN MUNICIPAL POLICE
By Joldosh Osmonov (11/16/2011 issue of the CACI Analyst)
The Mayor of Osh City has expressed the intention to create his own municipal police, including a special task force. While some consider the initiative an attempt to strengthen his position in a long-lasting confrontation with the central government, others contend that it is a game of politics in light of the upcoming local elections.
The Mayor’s Office of Osh, the country’s second largest city, plans to create a municipal police, independent from the Ministry of Interior and accountable to the city authorities.
RISK OF SOCIAL UNREST IN UZBEKISTAN DUE TO GAS SHORTAGES
By Erkin Akhmadov (11/16/2011 issue of the CACI Analyst)
In the first days of November, residents of several cities and villages in Uzbekistan started experiencing serious gas shortages. Meanwhile, representatives of the local authorities have not provided any comprehensive explanations to the anxious population, other than warning that the winter will be cold and advising to store alternative fuels to keep their houses warm and businesses running. Experts state that Uzbekistan’s large natural gas export is one of the main reasons for the increasing domestic gas supply crisis, as this provides significant income to the state budget but does not consider the needs of the local population.
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Staff Publications
Silk Road Paper S. Frederick Starr, Greater Central Asia as A Component of U.S. Global Strategy, October 2024.
Analysis Laura Linderman, "Rising Stakes in Tbilisi as Elections Approach," Civil Georgia, September 7, 2024.
Analysis Mamuka Tsereteli, "U.S. Black Sea Strategy: The Georgian Connection", CEPA, February 9, 2024.
Silk Road Paper Svante E. Cornell, ed., Türkiye's Return to Central Asia and the Caucasus, July 2024.
Book Svante E. Cornell, ed., "The Changing Geopolitics of Central Asia and the Caucasus" AFPC Press/Armin LEar, 2023.
Silk Road Paper Svante E. Cornell and S. Frederick Starr, Stepping up to the “Agency Challenge”: Central Asian Diplomacy in a Time of Troubles, July 2023.
Silk Road Paper S. Frederick Starr, U.S. Policy in Central Asia through Central Asian Eyes, May 2023.