By Ariel Cohen (7/2/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: The Iraq war has raised concerns regarding the political environment and profitability of Caspian oil, with some arguing that it fundamentally changes the situation there. Fear are that large multinational companies will shift resources for Iraqi exploration, thus slowing down Caspian development and transit projects, and delaying the flow of the Caspian oil to the international markets. Question that arise are what role the U.

By Robert L. Larsson (7/2/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: Georgia’s current reform of the security establishment encompasses the restructuring of institutions, separations of areas of responsibilities for the various ministries and departments, and increased civil control over the armed branches of the state. To this day, the impact has been less than modest. As far as the armed forces are concerned, training of staff and procurement of material and weapons have been undertaken within the U.

By Stephen Blank (7/2/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: In the April, 2003 energy accord between Russia and Turkmenistan, Russia secured for itself a strong position throughout Central Asia in regard to gas while perpetuating its rent-seeking and colonialist exploitation of Turkmenistan. Although this deal clearly shortchanged Turkmenistan’s future so that President Niyazov could further consolidate his position at home; most attention focused on the energy aspects of this deal and the tremendous leverage it gave Russia and which Moscow has subsequently exploited throughout Central Asia. However, the side payment that Russia made to Niyazov, namely that he could essentially force Russians in Turkmenistan to give up their Russian citizenship and passports and compel them to choose either Russian or Turkmen residence, has subsequently triggered an explosion in Russia.