The Importance of Central Asia to America
(Translated)
By Ustadh Islam Abu-Khalil – Uzbekistan

America’s view of Central Asia is no different from its view of other Islamic countries. It is a view of how Central Asia can serve American geopolitical interests. The importance of Central Asia for America comes from this perspective. In general, the region is of strategic importance to America. It has diverse and rare mineral resources, rich energy potential, and makes it possible to limit the actions of Russia and China, so as to protect American geopolitical interests.

With this in mind, especially against the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian war, a number of think tanks recommend that the US government pay more attention to Central Asia. They base their recommendations on several factors. The American think tank the Quincy Institute, which publishes “Responsible Statecraft,” calls on US president-elect Donald Trump to focus on Central Asia, at the beginning of his second term. This report argues that while the war in Ukraine, the Taiwan issue, and trade conflicts are on the global agenda, Central Asia can play an important role in protecting American interests.

According to analysts, America has not yet established strong relations within the region, where Russia and China are active. Central Asia may have vast resources and strategically important transport corridors. A symbolic visit by Trump could be a step towards strengthening Washington’s position in the region, which could affect global supply chains and energy exchanges. As Eurasia Review suggested, “So, what should President Trump do about Central Asia? First, show up!” This is what analysts suggested to the president-elect. As they noted, no matter how good diplomats are, nothing contributes to the success of negotiations like a personal meeting between leaders. America’s participation in the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway could help stabilize Afghanistan, and develop the economies of neighboring countries, creating new opportunities for American business, as well as increasing Washington’s influence in the region. This project is claimed to connect Central Asia with the Pakistani ports of Karachi, Gwadar and Port Qasim, creating thousands of jobs, and reducing the community base for support for extremist groups. Uzbekistan estimates that the 760-kilometer railway through Afghanistan will reduce delivery times to Pakistan by about five days and transportation costs by at least 40%. The project, which is expected to cost up to $6 billion, is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. By 2030, trains will be able to transport up to 15 million tons of cargo annually on the Trans-Afghan Railway. The new railway will connect the European Union, Russia, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan with Pakistan’s ports on the Arabian Sea for export to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. In addition, Central Asia is rich in important minerals such as manganese, chromium, lead, zinc and titanium, which are essential for green technologies. Recent restrictions on Chinese exports of these minerals may prompt the US to intensify dialogue with the region through the “C5+1 Diplomatic Platform” to ensure long-term access to these resources.

There are also calls to repeal the Jackson–Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974, which is still in effect in four Central Asian states, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. This amendment to the US trade applies special tariffs and duties on goods imported into the US from non-market economies, and prohibits government loans and credit guarantees. Analysts say that such obstacles hinder America’s ability to fully exploit the enormous potential of Central Asia, and exert strong influence in the region. When talking about the importance of Central Asia to the US, it is necessary to mention its role in limiting the geopolitical activities of Russia, which continues to use these countries of the region to circumvent Western sanctions against it. In other words, this can be seen as how the Central Asian countries help the Kremlin circumvent the wide-ranging Western sanctions against Russia. At a time when many trade routes are closed to Russia, it gets some “breathing room” through Central Asia. China is also spending billions of dollars on its giant “One Belt, One Road” project that runs through the region. It is clear that if America manages to increase its influence in Central Asia, it will create a lot of problems for both Russia and China.

Another factor, which is appropriate to add, is that Central Asia is an integral part of the Islamic lands. It is known from history that great ulema and world-famous military commanders grew up on these lands, striking terror into the hearts of the Kuffar. In the early 1990s, after the fall of the communist regime, Muslims in the region wanted to rule on the basis of Islam, and demanded it strongly from the regimes. The current situation in the Middle East, including the events in Syria, certainly affects Muslims in Central Asia. As a result of the unjust and oppressive policies pursued by the tyrannical regimes in the region, people have already begun to protest against them secretly and openly. Of course, it is difficult to predict when this “powder keg” will explode, which could lead to unexpected consequences, for both the existing regimes and for America and Russia. The explosion may not be limited to Central Asia. The possibility of a large-scale uprising, chanting Islamic calls, Tahleel and Takbir, spreading to neighboring Afghanistan, and even Pakistan, cannot be ruled out. Naturally, a far-sighted country like America cannot ignore such “explosive” expectations in Central Asia.

The importance of Central Asia for America can be summarized as follows: Although Central Asia is not a matter of life and death for America, it views the region as an important strategic area, for securing its geopolitical interests and maintaining its global dominance. Central Asia is an integral part of the Islamic lands, and the Muslims of this region are brave people who love Islam, want to exist within Islam, and are ready to sacrifice their lives for Islam. These lands, which will soon become part of the Khilafah Rashidah (rightly-guided Caliphate) on the Method of Prophethood, will become a reliable fortress for Islam and will, inshaa Allah, play an important role in besieging both Russia and China.

[لِلَّهِ الْأَمْرُ مِن قَبْلُ وَمِن بَعْدُ وَيَوْمَئِذٍ يَفْرَحُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ * بِنَصْرِ اللهِ يَنصُرُ مَن يَشَاءُ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الرَّحِيمُ]

“All power belongs to Allah both before and after. On that day will the believers rejoice * at the victory granted by Allah. He grants victory to whomsoever He pleases. He is the Most Mighty, the Most Compassionate.” [Surah Ar-Rum 4-5]