Uzbekistan is getting the Hype

America is thinking to have a backup route of supply in Afghanistan through Central Asian states.

As the year 2018 begins, the 17 years old war in Afghanistan is coming towards its deadliest and furious moments. The US and its allies had fair intention to win and to be triumphant. Likewise, the Vice President of the United States Mike Pence added that they have already put the Taliban’s in a condition that only requires protective manners. However, as he said, the crucial time is yet to come.

Explicitly, Mike Pence has openly threatened Pakistan. “For too long Pakistan has provided safe heavens to the Talibans but those days are over, President Trump has put Pakistan over his observations,” he added.

USA wants strategic depth in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian States

In December 2017, United States has opted to stop assisting Pakistan in military and economic affairs. Additionally, America has stopped the annual aid given to the country. However, Pakistan controls the main transit routes to the Afghanistan. Thereupon, how will United States react in case Pakistan responds with a blockage of transit routes? Does President of United States have a Plan B?

Ostensibly, the work is in progress.

Uzbekistan was the former state of USSR, which eventually got independent after the downfall of regime in USSR. The country shares border with Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan but especially it shares a 137 Km long border with Afghanistan. Surprisingly, the border is guided very heavily by Uzbek side. Situated in Central Asia and at a crucial demography, Uzbekistan could play an imperative role in Afghan war.

On 19 December 2017, when Mike Pence paid a surprise visit to Afghanistan, Mr. Trump called his counterpart in Uzbekistan Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev to discuss the regional security and bilateral opportunities to improve cooperation. Additionally, in White House’s readout it was briefed that both of the leader discussed the role of Uzbekistan in Central Asia and its support for Donald Trump’s strategies in South Asia and Afghanistan.

Uzbek-Afghan Ties

Uzbek technicians are setting up a rail project which connects Northern Uzbekistan to the Western Afghanistan. Additionally a power line is being installed from Kaskhadarya to the Pol e Khomri in Northern Afghanistan.

Afghan and Uzbek leader in Tashkent 

Significantly, the regular flights between both of the states will begin after a deadlock of quarter century. Consequently, the destinations will be of America and Europe. Frequently, Afghanistan is eager to open up its consulate in the city of Termez, near the border of Afghanistan.

Uzbekistan is working up to establish a platform naming C5+1 between the five Central Asian states and Afghanistan. The new dialogue forum will be essential in discussing the range of regional affairs and will provide a ground to work cooperatively under the instructions of United Nations. According to the Afghan State department it will advance the ties between both of the states.

US Blueprint

The US needs landlocked Afghanistan to have stronger ties with its northern neighbors. Additionally, in case of blockade, United States and allied forces may use the alternate route of central Asian states to bringing in supplies. A reopening of air base in Khanabad will prove a transit hub for the US forces in Afghanistan. Consequently, it will urge Donald Trump to enforce the sanctions warranted to Pakistan.

Final Verdict

Central Asia is an important place for United States to achieve its security reasons and its objectives in Afghanistan. The development of closer ties between Central Asian states and Afghanistan will prove constructive for regional sovereignty. Specifically, United States wants the Central Asian states to be resilient against the regional powers of China and Russia.

The states are rich naturally in resources, capital and in terms of human material. All they need is to cooperate with economic giants to boost up their economic capacity. Additionally, United States who has promised to take a flight from Afghanistan needs another key position in the region to preserve its hold. In case, the Central Asian states provide the best pitches for US ambitions.