By Gulnara Ismailova, a freelance journalist based in Baku, Azerbaijan (12/19/2001 issue of the CACI Analyst)

The religious factor is getting more noticeable in Azerbaijan. Only during the last few years,  actions were brought against leaders of Islamic parties, especially representatives of the extremist Islamic grouping “Jeyshullah”. Wahhabis are also often mentioned it this context.

By Marat Yermukanov, Kazakhstan (12/19/2001 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Many foreign analysts believe, and not without reason, that Kazakhstan is one of the most politically and economically advanced countries in Central Asia. The tenth anniversary of the Independance day, marked on December 16, gives good cause to Kazakhstan’s citizens to look back to what has been achieved in post-communist years.

Even the irreconcilable opponents of the reforms cannot deny the economic progress made in ten years of independence.

By Maria Utyaganova, student, American University in Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek (12/19/2001 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Before the September 11 tragedy, no one in Central Asia would think that their region would ever become the center of attention of the entire world. Rumors and fears about the start of large-scale war, and Central Asia being the battle ground for it, were rapidly spreading among the population. The feelings of stress and shock deepened when on September 21, the U.