Russian-U.S confrontation in Central Asia is undeniable

Russia plans to spend more than $1 billion on rearmament of the Kyrgyz army and military needs of the Tajik armed forces. It is now possible to say more precisely that it plans to allocate $1.1 billion to Bishkek and $200 million to Dushanbe.

The Russian Defence Ministry must agree on a list of military goods to Kyrgyzstan up till March 2013 and to deliver the first batch by the summer.

One can say that at present Bishkek needs all kinds of light weapons. It also plans to purchase an armoured fighting vehicle, different types of vehicles, combat reconnaissance vehicles, helicopters, field and stationary hospitals, light motorcycles, portable mortars and satellite equipment. The agreements also envisage the training of Kyrgyz servicemen at Russian military schools.

It is planned to spend $200 million allocated to Tajikistan to create a new anti-aircraft system and maintenance of military equipment.

It is known that the Tajik side expected to get $250 million from Moscow to rent the 201st Russian military base. However without making the relevant payments, a decision was made to extend the lease term. In return, Moscow agreed to ease the conditions of residence and stay of Tajik citizens in Russia and promised to think about making investments in the construction of power stations in Tajikistan.

If we say more precisely, Russia will not get $200 million from Tajikistan in connection with migrants. That is the exact amount required by the Russian military base in Dushanbe during a year. This means Moscow wants to strengthen its position in the region to prevent threats that may arise after the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan in 2014 and to deprive the U.S. of the opportunity to gain a foothold here.

Russia will hold the talks on the establishment of the CSTO military base to strengthen its position in the south of Kyrgyzstan. The purpose of establishing the base is not only to implement its military ambitions, but also prevent the creation of a radical Islamic Fergana caliphate. Also needed is control over a reliable highway, which will bypass the territory of Uzbekistan, for the 201st military base's material and technical supply chain from South Siberia in Tajikistan and of course, to prevent the expansion of China's military and political capabilities in the region.

Moreover, Russia and Kyrgyzstan signed an agreement on cooperation in controlling illegal drug trafficking. Russia is trying to block one of the largest drug trafficking routes from Afghanistan to Kyrgyzstan.

Despite the above-mentioned, the confrontation between Russian and U.S interests is indisputable in the region. While Russia is concerned about protecting itself and its allies from external threats, Kyrgyzstan is a platform for the Americans, from which it can control the entire region and focus on China.

Bishkek and Dushanbe have shown interest in purchasing the U.S. weapons to be withdrawn from Afghanistan. Along with the weapons it has not been excluded that military instructors, technicians and other specialists will arrive. This makes U.S influence in the region as inevitable.

According to the agreement worth $5.5 million signed between the U.S. and Tajikistan, which will expire in 2013, it is planned to upgrade radio systems at 58 police departments, law enforcement and security bodies.

There is an interesting fact that most funds allocated by Moscow which seeks to strengthen in Central Asia from a geopolitical point of view, will of course, be directed to upgrade or repair the Russian arms and military equipment. This means the returning of funds and new orders for plants belonging to the Russian military and industrial complex.


Arzu Naghiyev /Trend/