KADYROV-ZAKAYEV TALKS SPARK CONCERNS IN MOSCOW
By Dmitry Shlapentokh (11/26/2009 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov recently offered Akhmed Zakayev, usually considered a quite moderate representative of the North Caucasian insurgency, a safe return to Chechnya and a potential post in the Chechen administration. While Moscow does not consider Zakayev himself to be a dangerous figure, the offer strengthened Moscow’s concerns over Kadyrov’s increasing self-consciousness. Moreover, the issue has added to what Moscow perceives as a potentially harmful inspiration of Kadyrov’s example for the segments of Russian Muslims advocating increasing autonomy from the centre.
DESPITE GROWING SECURITY COOPERATION, RUSSIA IS LOSING GROUND IN TAJIKISTAN
By Alexander Sodiqov (11/26/2009 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Tajikistani President Emomali Rahmon’s state visit to Moscow in October resolved none of the major divisive issues marring the relations between Moscow and Dushanbe. The Tajik leader failed to convince President Medvedev to pay Tajikistan a rent for Russia’s military base in Tajikistan, and to participate in the Rogun power station project. Despite this, security considerations have pushed Dushanbe and Moscow to agree to step up military cooperation.
CHINA’S WATER POLICIES IN CENTRAL ASIA AND LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL
By Stephen Blank (11/26/2009 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Although they do not get a lot of attention abroad, water issues are truly vital in Central Asia. Since those states who have water do not have oil and gas and vice versa, a fundamental economic-political asymmetry exists between them. This has led to many continuing instances of disputes, rivalries, and clashes among them.
AZERBAIJAN’S DIVERSIFIED ENERGY SECURITY STRATEGY
By Gulmira Rzayeva (11/26/2009 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Due to its own energy resources and its indispensable geographic position between the oil and gas reserves of the Caspian Sea, Iran and Central Asia, Azerbaijan is successfully pursuing a diversified energy security strategy. It seeks to develop alternatives for delivering its gas to Russia and Iran along with an alternative route transporting gas to Europe through the Black Sea ports. By diversifying its own energy routes and markets, Azerbaijan is increasingly contributing to global energy security.
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