U.S./Russian Tug-of-war over Uzbekistan

[Dover]

Tug-of-war over Uzbekistan
By Sergei Blagov

MOSCOW - Amid talk of creating a Muslim force to help with security in Iraq, former Soviet Muslim states are potential candidates, which would be an obvious boost for the United States, but a setback for Moscow's efforts to maintain its clout in the Central Asian region.

Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah called this week for the establishment of a Muslim army during the visit of US Secretary of State Colin Powell, who said that the idea was "interesting". The prince's call was later echoed by Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi.

The most populous Central Asian state, Uzbekistan, would be a prime candidate for supplying troops as it is a US ally. Coincidence or not, in late July, the head of US Central Command, General John Abizaid, visited Uzbekistan and Tajikistan before traveling to Pakistan and Afghanistan. Officially, Abizaid discussed US-Uzbek cooperation at meetings in Tashkent with Uzbek Foreign Minister Sadyq Safayev and Defense Minister Kadir Ghulyamov.

Uzbek officials reportedly reassured Abizaid that Uzbekistan was determined to continue cooperation with the US. Abizaid told a news conference after the meetings that the US would further develop its military cooperation with Uzbekistan....cont'd

http://atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/FG31Ag01.html

[Aidoneus]

1. While they're tugging..

the neither of them will get their "prize" of Central Asia. Russian influence is retreating, American influence isn't really sticking, but the Chinese are sure making some new friends.

[bemildred]

2. China, Iran/Islam, India, in that order.

Russia and the US are pissing up a rope.

I would wager that Russia's primary concern is that
the US will destabilized the place (further) and that
the spillover will make Russia's life more unpleasant.