Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov (not to be confused with Igor “Angel of Death” Ivanov–seriously, read this, it’s great) is calling for closer ties between Russia and Uzbekistan. The two will carry out joint exercises in 2005, and Uzbekistan noted its sympathy over the bombing in Grozny.
This is probably great news for Russia as Tajikistan has kindly asked Russia to leave.
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I hadn’t seen the Tajikistan news ’til now. I have to say though – I’d be shocked if there isn’t a significant Russian presence in Tajikistan after 2005. The concern in Russia about radical Islam means the Tajik-Afghan border is far too important for them to not be guarding it, not to mention Russia’s general desire to keep Tajikistan under their thumb.