Karimov’s Death May Boost Russia’s Control

Written by ls2group

Originally posted in the WallStreet Journal, September 12, 2016.

Karimov’s Death May Boost Russia’s Control

Karimov’s death may enhance Russia’s control of the region’s energy supply.

The recent death of President Islam Karimov creates a power vacuum in Uzbekistan that has the potential to generate seismic shifts in the political topography of Central Asia (“Longtime Uzbekistan Leader Dies,” World News, Sept. 3). The deck is stacked in favor of the next Uzbek leader having a natural disposition toward an economic, political, social and military agenda in conflict with that of the U.S. and our allies. The practical effects of this alignment are significant.

As stronger Uzbek and Russian ties are forged—and as Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan take note and follow suit—Russia will gain greater access to sources of Caspian hydrocarbons. This would place considerable pressure on Turkey and neighboring nations to embrace Russian influence. The flow of energy through Eurasia is notoriously tenuous, and control over supply has long served as a key source of geopolitical leverage. Karimov’s death has a very real possibility of enhancing Russia’s control of the region’s energy supply and tipping the scales away from democratic ideals in a part of the world in the midst of rapid transition.

Lt. Col. Eric Phillipson (USA Ret.) Chicago