By Anara Tabyshalieva (1/14/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: Organized in Jerusalem in 1953 and having headquartered in London, Hizb-ut-Tahrir aims at establishing a single Islamic Caliphate incorporating all Central Asian republics of the CIS, along with the Muslim regions of Russia, China, and the northern Caucasus. Proclaiming a non-violent way to a theocratic state, this transnational movement, in Arabic the “Party of Islamic Liberation” has had some success at grassroots level, not only because of a well-organized underground activity and external support in finances and training, but also because of the perceived political exclusion of youth, increasing poverty, and unemployment in Central Asia. Supporters of the Islamic Caliphate advocate free trade and no borders between Muslim states.

By Stephen Blank (1/14/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: Historically the original Great Game came about due to Russian penetration and conquest of Central Asia, a process that alarmed the British Empire because it could discern no end to Moscow’s or St. Petersburg’s appetites. Hence in modern times, and in spite of the division of the Raj into India and Pakistan, Central Asia has been an important factor in regional security.

By Blanka Hancilova and Jaba Devdariani (1/14/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: Before resigning in November, Georgian President President Eduard Shevardnadze sought to isolate the opposition triumvirate of Mikheil Saakashvili, Zurab Zhvania and Nino Burjanadze by sending his envoy Aslan Abashidze to Baku and Yerevan in order to paint the opposition as a dangerous nationalist clique which could endanger the Armenian and Azeri minorities in Georgia and the stability of the South Caucasus as a whole. Following Shevardnadze’s resignation, the new Georgian leadership first sought to sooth Georgian relations with Russia. On December 28 – 29, State Minister Zurab Zhvania embarked on a trip to Baku and Yerevan.