Making the Most of Central Asian Partnerships
Abstract
Afghanistan demonstrated the global reach and fighting effectiveness of the Armed Forces. Although carrier aviation, long-range bombing, and specialized ground capabilities 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 signals revolutionary change for the security of 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 smoke screen for indecision on expansion. However, the three exercises conducted in its first year illustrated that the PFP would function in the realm of action, not just words. Both the Clinton and Bush administrations deserve credit for forging working relationships with the newly independent states. These relations formed the basis for operations in Afghanistan. Now the United States can restructure Eurasian security to meet regional and national interests. To achieve this end, Washington must encourage a steady upgrade in PFP relationships with Russia and the nations of Central Asia to integrate these states into a sturdy security architecture. America must embrace countries willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Alliance on the front lines of the global war on terrorism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA483753
Entities
People
- Lyle J. Goldstein
Organizations
- Naval War College