By Daan van der Schriek (12/1/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)

After the fall of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, in November 2001, several Taliban and Al-Qaida members managed to escape to the Pakistani tribal areas, where they found refuge amidst the local tribes – and a base to continue operations in Afghanistan. In September of last year, Pakistan started operations against these fighters. And although the deaths of dozens of militants is announced every week as a result of these operations and officials claim that only some 100 of an original 600 fighters are left in the area, there is little sign yet that the government has won the battle.

By Kakha Jibladze (12/1/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)

President Saakashvili used the occasion to thank the Patriarch for his contributions to Georgian society. The President spoke about the deeds and commitments of Georgia\'s Catholicos – Patriarch Illia the Second – to Georgia’s spiritual life and thanked him for his support to the nation. \"I\'d like to point out with great appreciation the commitment of Georgia’s Spiritual Father, and personally, my spiritual father, Illia the second, who, ever since his enthronement stood by the nation when it fought for independence, freedom and victory.

By Nazgul Baktybekova (11/17/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)

The Kyrgyz government is proposing realization of the fourth stage of privatization of energy sector. As the initiators of the privatization policy claim, the energy sector for the last several years has been one of the most expensive sectors of the economy. Within the framework of this policy, “Severelektro” joint stock company, which is reportedly on the verge of bankruptcy, will be given to concession.