The notion that Central Asia is being buffeted by Israel-Iran hostility is nonsense given that factor is a rounding error for the major players of Russia and China.
Central Asian former "Stans" are in a difficult position:
The five republics of the region—Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan—have increasingly pursued a strategy of multi-vector diplomacy, seeking to balance relations with competing major powers. Yet the escalating confrontation between Iran and Israel threatens to constrict the geopolitical space Central Asia has carefully carved out for itself.
Oh please, the region has to worry about Russia's need to maintain military dominance and China's need to find land alternatives to vulnerable sea lines of communication for international trade colliding in their neighborhood. And the flag follows trade.
UPDATE: Related thoughts.
NOTE: TDR Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.
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NOTE: I made the image with Bing.
