By Aziz Soltobaev (5/19/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: The Collective Rapid Reaction Forces (CRRF) of the Collective Security Treaty are designed to combat international extremist groups. This year, collective security exercises will be conducted in a different way than previously. Military units and observers of members states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will take part in massive scale tactical exercises, although they are not part of the CSTO.By William D. O’Malley & Roger N. McDermott (5/19/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: The militaries of the South Caucasus states are facing significant problems and challenges as they each work to strengthen the foundation of their armed forces and adjust to their new and rapidly evolving security environment. Although these states are involved internationally, the military commitments remain small and supported by assets and personnel from only a few élite formations, with most of the force still struggling with readiness and capabilities issues. These states are in the midst of reform programs that they know must be effectively completed, but they are most challenged in how to proceed.By Stephen Blank (5/19/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: Trubnikov, whose remit comprises Russian relations with CIS members and intelligence sharing and collaboration with Washington in the war on terrorism, strongly denounced U.S. military policy and presence in Central Asia even though he has frequently extolled the cooperation with Washington in the war against terrorism.By Pavel Baev (5/19/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)
BACKGROUND: During Georgia’s time of troubles in the early 1990s, Ajaria remained an ‘island of stability’ that was secured primarily through tough bargaining with Tbilisi. Aslan Abashidze for more than a decade had every reason to be satisfied with the deal: he traded a symbolic recognition of Tbilisi’s sovereignty for a real and virtually unlimited control over his family domain. Backing from Moscow was always an important chip in this bargaining, so while the Georgian authorities demanded the withdrawal of all Russian military bases, Batumi warmly welcomed the Russian 12th military base and encouraged local young men to enlist for service there.The Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst is a biweekly publication of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute & Silk Road Studies Program, a Joint Transatlantic Research and Policy Center affiliated with the American Foreign Policy Council, Washington DC., and the Institute for Security and Development Policy, Stockholm. For 15 years, the Analyst has brought cutting edge analysis of the region geared toward a practitioner audience.
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