Making the Most of Central Asian Partnerships
Abstract
Afghanistan demonstrated the global reach and fighting effectiveness of the Armed Forces. Although the operations being carried out in that war warrant praise, less noticeable efforts by military leaders and diplomatic officials can be easily overlooked. In fact, the deployment to Central Asia during this latest crisis was the culmination of years of preparation. As the first important American presence in the former Soviet Union, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) signals revolutionary change for the security of the Central Asian region. A brainchild of General John Shalikashvili before he was named Chairman, the Partnership for Peace (PFP) program was adopted by the North Atlantic Alliance in January 1994. Its objectives are supporting transparency, promoting democratic control of the military, increasing the readiness and capabilities of partner nations to cope with crises, generating cooperative relations with NATO, and developing forces to operate within the Alliance. Early critics faulted the program as lacking in substance and as a political smokescreen for indecision on expansion. However, the three exercises conducted in its first year illustrated that PIP would function in the realm of action, not just words. Despite economic and social problems, the newly independent states of Central Asia proved to be enthusiastic participants in the PFP program. Kazakh and Kyrgyz troops took part in Cooperative Nugget at Fort Polk in 1995, a peacekeeping exercise, and soon officers from the new states were attending military schools in the United States. Both NATO and Central Asian leaders agreed to form the Central Asian Peacekeeping Battalion (CENTRASBAT) in late 1995, one of seven regional units organized under the PIP. This article details cooperation between Central Asia and the United States in preparation for OEF, including military training and joint exercises. Also discussed is the states' relationship with NATO and Russia, religion, and politics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA426798
Entities
People
- Lyle J. Goldstein
Organizations
- National Defense University