By Muhammad Tahir (9/6/2006 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: The relationship between Iran and Turkmenistan officially began shortly after the Turkmenistan’s independence in 1991, when they officially inaugurated diplomatic missions. Since then, Iran has become an important player among nations fighting to increase their influence in Central Asian countries. Iran, despite its reputation of being a repressive Islamic regime, had an advantageous position to take this struggle one step ahead of the others, since it was also welcomed by Turkmenistan, because, in contrast to western countries, Tehran had no interest in the political system of Turkmenistan.

By Richard Weitz (9/6/2006 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: Eurasec was established in 2000. Its membership roster includes Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and now Uzbekistan. Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine enjoy observer status.

By Kevin Daniel Leahy (9/6/2006 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: The first overt indication of tension within the pro-Moscow ranks came at the end of April, when troops loyal to Kadyrov and those of his nominal superior, President Alu Alkhanov, exchanged gun-fire in downtown Grozny. Then, in late May, reports surfaced about a confrontation that had taken place between Kadyrov’s forces and those of another pro-Moscow stalwart, Movladi Baisarov, when the latter’s guard deigned to detain a young relative of Ramzan’s as he was leaving Grozny. The sour state of relations between these respective parties had previously been remarked upon.