Kerry’s Surprise Visit to Afghanistan Yields Draft Agreement
A tentative agreement would allow American troops to remain in Afghanistan beyond 2014.
Catherine Putz
Managing Editor of The Diplomat
Tajikistan’s Islamists Back Secular Candidate to Send Message
Opposition Islamists support a secular presidential candidate to improve their image.
Chinese Leader Follows Silk Road, Signs Energy Deals
Central Asia, rich in oil and gas, is of critical importance to China’s growth strategy.
Breakdown in Afghan Security, Taliban Peace Talks Predictable
While the United States are concerned about the war, Afghans, including the Taliban, look toward the peace.
Afghan Factions Meet in France as NATO Prepares Withdrawal
Four Afghan groups meet in France, not for negotiations but at least they’re talking.
Afghanistan’s Karzai Dismisses Helmand Governor
Gulab Mangal is popular with Western forces but not an asset for Karzai post 2014.
Kyrgyz Political Crisis Prompts Premier’s Resignation
Parliamentary democracy in Kyrgyzstan is failing to address the nation’s economic woes.
Badakhshan-Tajikistan Clashes Risk Sparking Insurgency
Wikistrat analyzes the murky but dangerous situation in Tajikistan.
Russian-Tajikistan Base Deal Revealed Prematurely
Tajikistan is said to have reached agreement with Russia for the lease of an army base.
Clinton’s Apology Reopens NATO Supply Route
The American secretary of state says “sorry” for the accidental death of Pakistani soldiers.
NATO Supply Route Through Pakistan Remains Closed
Political concerns in both Pakistan and the United States prevent a deal on reopening supply routes to be done.
Turkmenistan Finally Puts the “T” in TAPI
Many obstacles remain to the construction of an India-Turkmenistan gas pipeline.
No Good Ways Out of Afghanistan
Air and land routes out of the country are either insufficient or troublesome.
Tajikistan: Between a Rock, a Hard Place and Iran
As the United States plot their exit from Afghanistan, they’re making efforts to reenlist Central Asian support.
Hope for Afghan Peace Talks After Taliban Walk Out
“Deep breaths, and not hyperventilation, are required here,” an American official said.