Countering Global Terrorism: Developing the Antiterrorist Capabilities of the Central Asian Militaries
Abstract
Central Asia is a key theater in the war on terrorism. It is a region of fragile new states, all facing a wide range of challenges. Ungoverned regions - the cauldron of terrorism - are common. As the U.S. State Department notes, the United States learned a harsh lesson after it disengaged from Afghanistan in the early 1990s. The United States must not allow countries to become breeding grounds for extremism and terrorism. To prevent these destructive forces from taking root in Central Asia, the United States has intensified efforts to help the countries of this area become stable, prosperous, and fully integrated members of the world community and the global economy. The question is how to undertake this complex endeavor. In this monograph, the author offers a framework for improving the antiterrorist capabilities of the Central Asian militaries. This includes increased and focused military training with a special emphasis on Special Forces units. The training should take place within a regional train and equip program to increase effectiveness and efficiency. But, he argues, all assistance to the Central Asian states must complement broader diplomatic efforts to promote social, economic, and political reform. (137 end notes)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA420802
Entities
People
- Roger N. Mcdermott
Organizations
- United States Army War College