Russia, Mission to Curve U.S. Forces in Central Asia

Russia, for the fist time in 13 years, decided to make an overseas military base in Central Asia. Pundits say that it indicates Russia`s intent to check the growing influence of the United States, ever since the September 11, under the name of anti-terrorism campaigns.

The U.S. stationed its troops in Central Asia, just next to Russia, for the first time in 2001 and, promising economic assistance, encouraged them to stay out of Russian influence

Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev, who is visiting Moscow, announced Tuesday that "Russia has decided to build an air-force base in October in Kant Airport, near our capital Bishkek." Prior to it, sources say that Askar signed an agreement Monday with Russian President Vladimir Putin that would allow Russian troops to stay in Kyrgyzstan.

This would be Russia`s first overseas military base since 1990. Hampered by its financial troubles after disbanding the former Soviet Republic, Russia closed its overseas military bases one after another.

The Kant Base is only 30 km apart from the Manas Air-force Base where U.S. led coalition forces are stationed. Thus, the forces of the two nations would have to stand face to face in such a close distance in Central Asia. The U.S. Airforce uses the Manas Base to make sorties to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Russian forces are planning to deploy latest SU-27 fighters and SU-25 bombers with powerful aviation control facilities, so as to control not only Central Asia but also the Middle East. So far, the only Russian forces stationed in Central Asia are one mechanized division located in Tadzhikistan.

President Putin emphasized the importance of the new base, saying, "The region is very important to Russia. However, when asked about the U.S. and Russia`s being so closely located, Putin only mentioned, "Their duties are different."

Thinking it may be too hard to confront the U.S. by itself, Russia is also straightening alliance with neighbors. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization organized by four countries of Central Asia, such as Russia, China, Kazakhstan held a ministers meeting in Beijing, China yesterday and adopted a joint statement that states strengthening economic cooperation. In particular, these countries reportedly discussed measures to curve U.S. influence in Central Asian regions.

The 6 members of the Commonwealth of Independent States, who signed collective security treaty, including Russia, are also planning to dispatch their forces in Central Asia. The six nations had a summit in May and agreed to establish allied forces headquarters, reorganize their forces to reinforce military alliance, carry out joint military exercises, and to give incentives for buying Russian weapons.

Ki-Hyun Kim kimkihy@donga.com