NCJ Number
193048
Journal
Jane's Intelligence Review Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2002 Pages: 36-39
Date Published
February 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines the motivation of Central Asian governments to support anti-terrorist initiatives and the attitudes of the region’s Islamists.
Abstract
The implications of the developments in the past 4 months in Central Asia have resulted in the growth of political violence in the region. There is concern that the long-term security interests of this region, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, have been put at risk. Motivations for cooperation with the United States in the war against terrorism include economic reward, response to threats of alienation to the United States, and promises on the part of the United States. All states involved in the anti-terror coalition are benefiting from the arrangements agreed upon. However, there is a concern that there will be potential implications on the development of regional terrorism. Current aid and “gratuity” packages for Central Asian cooperation are focused on military concerns, ignoring problems that need to be addressed such as poverty, unemployment, and poor human rights records. The United States is forwarding money to governments without taking necessary precautions to prevent widespread corruption that misdirects aid resulting in the wider population not being benefited. Such a predicament will exacerbate social frustrations and threaten to further destabilize an environment that is already fragile. Current developments also threaten to aggravate regional terrorist groups and suppressed political parties. Since September 11, the IMU, a network of militants motivated by economic interests, has been given more credit as a terrorist group than its activities merit. The group has not perpetrated any significant acts of terrorism, focusing instead on transporting illicit opiates. However, due to its newfound hatred for the United States and attempts to penetrate Central Asia, their activities have been fueled in the region. Hizb ut-Tahrir (‘Party of Freedom’) is a peaceful party seeking to establish an Islamic state in Central Asia and install a legal system based on sharia law. The group operates in highly secretive, small independent cells. Despite its peaceful stance, human rights abuses have been directed toward its members creating widespread frustration. The fear is that these groups of individuals will sacrifice their peaceful ideology for one of militancy.