This is an interesting question:
The United States has struggled in the post-Soviet era to define a durable framework for its relations with Central Asian states. Initially, securing the Soviet Union’s nuclear legacy was the main focus of US policy. Then, after 9/11, policy was shaped by Washington’s need for Central Asian support for US military operations in Afghanistan. But as Washington redefines its global priorities, what should guide its policy toward Central Asia?
Our interest in projecting power into Central Asia was fleeting and not an enduring need. We have higher priorities.
I think getting out of the way and letting Russia and China throw elbows at each other should be our policy.
