Number: RL33458
Title: Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests
Authors: Jim Nichol, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division 
Abstract: The 111th Congress is likely to continue to be at the forefront in advocating increased U.S. ties with Central Asia, and in providing backing for use of the region as a staging area for supporting U.S.-led stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. Congress is likely to pursue these goals through hearings and legislation on humanitarian, economic, and democratization assistance, security issues, and human rights. The 2006 bilateral accord on the continued U.S. use of airbase facilities in Kyrgyzstan included U.S. pledges of boosted foreign aid and other compensation, which are subject to regular congressional appropriations and oversight. Assistance for border and customs controls and other safeguards to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and to combat trafficking in persons and drugs will likely be ongoing congressional concerns. Congress will continue to consider whether and how to balance its concerns about human rights abuses and lagging democratization against other U.S. interests in continued engagement with the region to advance energy security and prosecute the Global War on Terrorism.
Pages: 44
Date: November 13, 2008