American "umbrella" won't save Central Asia from radical extremists

Victoria Panfilova, columnist of Nezavisimaya Gazeta, specially for Vestnik Kavkaza
American "umbrella" won't save Central Asia from radical extremists

The Central Command of the US Armed Forces is holding military exercise "Regional Cooperation - 2018" at the Edwards military base in Massachusetts from September 10 to 21. Countries of Central Asia - Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as Afghanistan and Mongolia - will participate part in them. However, experts believe that these states can withstand the "Islamist factor" only together with Russia.

In addition to US soldiers, 200 people from other countries will participate. Tajikistan sent a group of paratroopers, while only observers participate from Kazakhstan. This year Kyrgyzstan won't participate. During exercises, multinational team will develop a combined military response to several scenarios to improve cooperation. According to the plan of these exercises, soldiers will focus on operations to ensure stability, border security, fight against terrorism and drugs, as well as proliferation of banned materials and technologies.

"These exercises give our soldiers opportunity to work together, build confidence and develop our capabilities while strengthening our partnership," said Col. Earl Brown, spokesman for the US Central Command.

According to Eurasianet, these exercises are funded through Section 1004 of the National Defense Authorization Act, which gives the United States a right to train and equip foreign armed forces engaged in combating drug trafficking and international organized crime.

Exercises are held annually since 2001. Past year, these drills were held from July 10 to July 23 in Dushanbe. Exercises, according to Dushanbe, will help to strengthen security and stability in the region.

However, Dushanbe and other capitals of the region understand that only Russia can help them to withstand the 'Islamic factor'. They can remain sovereign states only with Russia, since it can protect power in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. "Even though there are no Russian troops there, Uzbekistna can also always count on Moscow," said military expert Viktor Litovkin.

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