U.S. in Central Asia

U.S. forces are reportedly days away from completing the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Central Asian diplomats are making the rounds in Washington, DC.

As the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan begins, some suspect Washington is looking for nearby basing options.

In May 2020 and March 2021, the United States started up two new trilateral dialogues pairing Afghanistan with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. 

Kazakhstan is working toward a more diversified economy.

“U.S. power can inadvertently shift politics even in regions like Central Asia where the United States is remote.”

The new trilateral fits into existing efforts to increase regional cooperation and integrate Afghanistan’s into Central Asian thinking.

The U.S. secretary of state said he’s sent a “perfect message” on press freedoms.

This weekend Pompeo will make stops in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Regional cooperation and security were the top-line items of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells’ recent trek to Tajikistan.

After visits to Ukraine and Belarus early in the new year, Pompeo will touch down in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

American interests in Uzbekistan have remained stable across administrations, but opportunities for cooperation have grown.