ANALYSIS: Politics gets in way of hydropower investment in Central Asia

(bne) - The planned construction of a new power line connecting Kazakhstan to Tajikistan will allow Central Asia’s common energy system to be reactivated. But plans to attract investment into new hydroelectric power plants are being held back by their political sensitivity.

(more…)

Holbrooke seeks Central Asia help for Afghanistan

(AP) - U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke visited Kazakhstan on Sunday to drum up regional assistance in stabilizing Afghanistan, the last stop on his tour of former Soviet states in Central Asia.
(more…)

U.S. warns of al Qaeda threat in Central Asia

(Reuters) - Al Qaeda aims to infiltrate Central Asia to train militants and turn the ex-Soviet region into a zone of unrest, a U.S. envoy said on Saturday.
(more…)

U.S. shipping more to Afghanistan via Central Asia

(Reuters) - The United States has greatly expanded the use of a new supply route through Central Asia this year to send nonmilitary cargo to its troops in Afghanistan, a Defense Department official said on Tuesday.
(more…)

Russia pushes for Central Asia energy projects

(AP) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday pushed for energy and transportation projects — in which Russia is likely to lead the way — to boost economic development in Afghanistan and surrounding countries.
(more…)

Central Asians seek help to clear Cold War waste

(Reuters) - Four Central Asian countries called on Monday for international help from governments and business in clearing toxic nuclear waste left over from the Cold War when they formed part of the Soviet Union.
(more…)

US chooses expediency over rights in Central Asia

(AFP) - The United States has put stabilizing Afghanistan before human rights in Central Asia by forging transit deals with authoritarian regimes accused of rights abuses, analysts said Wednesday.
(more…)

U.S. envoy to Sri Lanka to become new Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia

(AFP) - A veteran diplomat most recently tasked with the delicate job of Sri Lanka envoy was tapped Friday by President Barack Obama to serve as the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs.

(more…)

Central Asian leaders to gather for water summit

(Reuters) - The five leaders of Central Asian nations will hold a summit this week to try to end a bitter row over water use in one of the world’s driest regions.
(more…)

US urges Central Asia to boost gas export routes

(AP) - A recent crippling gas pipeline blast in Turkmenistan, which the government blamed on Russia’s gas monopoly Gazprom, is proof that energy-rich Central Asian nations need to diversify their export routes, a senior U.S. diplomat said Friday.

(more…)