Hajj Remains a Source of Tension Between Kyrgyzstan's Muftiate and State Agencies
Jamil Payaz (the 02/10/2013 issue of the CACI Analyst)
On August 30, Kyrgyzstan’s Muftiate complained that the pilgrimage to Mecca might be disrupted this year after the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) froze the Muftiate’s bank account, claiming tax evasion during previous pilgrimages. This dispute sheds light on more serious issues related to the Muftiate. As an organizer of the Hajj, which involves dozens of millions of dollars, the Muftiate is often associated with corruption scandals. Corruption opportunities, fueled by competition for limited hajj visas and an uncontrolled flow of money, makes the Hajj a source of tension between the Muftiate, state agencies, and even criminal groups.
Armenia Chooses Customs Union over EU Association Agreement
By Armen Grigoryan (the 18/09/2013 issue of the CACI Analyst)
After nearly four years of negotiating the Association Agreement with the EU, Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan made an abrupt turn, announcing his intention to instead join the Customs Union with Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. It is not possible to combine the two frameworks because of contradicting tariff regulations. Sargsyan’s statement was made after increased political and economic pressure from Russia in recent months. Armenia’s participation in Russia-led integration projects will imply very limited possibilities for cooperation with the EU. It will also result in Armenia’s deeper isolation and cause additional complications for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution process.
Kazakhstan Steppe Eagle Exercise Helps Sustain NATO Ties
By Richard Weitz (the 18/09/2013 issue of the CACI Analyst)
The latest Steppe Eagle annual multilateral military exercise in Kazakhstan occurred from August 10-23, at the Illisky Training Center near Almaty. The exercise, held under NATO auspices, confirms that the Kazakhstani national security community wants to retain defense ties with Western countries despite their country’s deep military relations with Russia. This goal should grow in coming years as NATO winds down its combat operations in Afghanistan. In this context, sustaining Kazakhstan’s Airmobile Forces Brigade (KAZBRIG) is important for promoting interoperability between NATO and the rest of Kazakhstan’s military.
Moscow Signals Intention to Establish Greater Control Over Chechnya
By Valeriy Dzutsev (the 18/09/2013 issue of the CACI Analyst)
An increasing number of conflicts between Chechnya’s strongman Ramzan Kadyrov and Moscow may signify that the Russian government is gearing up to change the status quo in Chechnya. Regional authorities and Kadyrov himself have long been exempt from Russian law, which Russian leaders have motivated as a necessity for keeping Chechnya stable. Kadyrov’s success in keeping Moscow at bay has to a large extent depended on his personal relationship with President Putin. Growing resentment among ethnic Russians against North Caucasians and Putin’s weakening position make a tougher position on Moscow’s part against Chechnya’s pro-Moscow government more likely, a development that may have numerous unintended consequences.
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