This article is the first of a two-part series that reviews key development during the past year in Central Asia. This article focuses on Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Click here for part two.
Some Soviet-era cultural institutions, such as Kazakhstan's Union of Artists, have survived the transition in Central Asia from Communism to a more market-oriented system. But as Yerkin Mergenov, the president of Kazakhstan's 500-member Union of Artists, told EurasiaNet in a recent interview, the artists' union has a very limited ability to promote the revival of the arts.
The outcome of the "security summit" held on January 5 in Almaty indicates that Central Asian presidents are increasingly intent on working collectively against terrorism, despite the leaders' many disagreements on economic and political issues.
The collapse of the former Soviet Union had a devastating impact on arts and culture in Central Asia and the Caucasus. The creative processes of artists, writers and musicians have suffered as they have struggled to adjust to market realities. In addition, the popular market for arts and culture has contracted, as the general population now has fewer resources to devote to leisurly pursuits.
With its health care system lagging behind other sectors of the economy, the government of Kazakhstan recently attempted to reverse its deterioration by turning over health care financing reform to local authorities. Top government officials hope decentralization will prevent a collapse of health care.
Since the disintegration of the Soviet Union, ethnic and political conflict has stood in the way of reform in the Newly Independent States. The NGO Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution was formed in 1998 to help build constructive relationships and assist in peacekeeping efforts in the region.
Hundreds of millions of dollars go missing every year in Central Asia, thanks to trade fraud. Exports are sent to strange destinations, and imports are not all they seem to be. The worst-affected countries are Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where both governments are responding through increased trade regulation.
Subjected to an intensive assimilation program, China's Uighurs are becoming "emotional" as they strive to maintain a separate cultural profile, an Uighur leader says.
Central Asian states are hedging their bets in the great oil and gas game. Pipeline projects that would bring regional resources to Western markets tend to grab most of the headlines, but Central Asian states are, at the same time, deepening trade relations with East and South Asian nations.
EurasiaNet: The situation in Central Asia is deteriorating with the Taliban making advances, and a split has appeared among some Central Asian nations. Uzbekistan, in particular, is reaching out to the Taliban. How does Russia view President Islam Karimov's actions vis-à-vis the Taliban, and what might Russia do to respond?
