Media Appearances

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Media Appearances

13 September, 2024

“Security talks are important” says Hamza Boltaev in his recent interview with Kun.uz

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – 13 September 2024. On 4-5 September 2024, Tashkent became the focal point for two critical regional security dialogues: the 10th International Conference of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (RATS SCO) and the 2nd Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Conference on Combating Terrorism and Extremism. These high-level gatherings brought together leading experts, security officials, and policymakers from member states to address escalating security challenges in the region, with a particular focus on Afghanistan.   During the conferences, Chairman of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan, Abdusalom Azizov, underscored the urgent need for collaboration with Afghanistan in its ongoing struggle against the Khorasan Province, an affiliate of the Islamic State in Afghanistan notorious for its transnational extremist operations. This statement implicitly conveyed a recognition that the Taliban has yet to establish comprehensive control over the country’s security apparatus, signalling an enduring vulnerability within Afghan borders.   Reflecting on this during an interview broadcast by Kun.uz, Hamza Boltaev, Head of the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies at IAIS, highlighted the complexities surrounding security cooperation with Afghanistan under the current Taliban leadership. According to him, formal recognition of the Taliban’s authority remains a prerequisite for any substantial collaboration on counterterrorism measures. In the absence of official diplomatic ties, interactions between Afghanistan and its regional neighbours have been confined to dialogue, with no tangible outcomes or concerted follow-up actions. The expert further elaborated, noting that discussions on security are no longer optional but a pressing necessity driven by the evolving geopolitical landscape. In his words, “talking about security is a requirement of the time”, reinforcing the need for immediate and coordinated responses to the threats posed by extremist factions like the Khorasan Province.

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Media Appearances

09 September, 2024

Islomkhon Gafarov shared his opinion on the upcoming U.S. Presidential candidates’ debates and the shift in U.S.-Uzbekistan relations

Islomkhon Gafarov, an expert at the Institute for Advanced International Studies, recently participated in the “International View” (“Xalqaro nigoh”) programme on the Uzbekistan 24 TV channel, where he provided insightful commentary on the forthcoming debates between U.S. presidential candidates. During the discussion, he highlighted the significance of these debates, which are not only a platform for candidates to present their policy proposals but also offer an opportunity to scrutinize their stance on key international issues. With the U.S. playing a pivotal role in global geopolitics, the candidates’ positions on foreign policy will be closely examined.   Mr. Gafarov emphasized that U.S. policy towards Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, is undergoing a period of transformation. Historically, the region was viewed primarily through the lenses of security, counterterrorism, and energy interests. However, recent global geopolitical shifts have prompted a recalibration of these priorities. The evolving multipolar world order, the strategic significance of China's Belt and Road Initiative, and Russia's continued presence in the region have all contributed to reshaping U.S. engagement in Central Asia.   In this changing landscape, U.S. policy has become more nuanced, with an increasing focus on economic development, digital infrastructure, and regional connectivity. Gafarov noted that Uzbekistan, as a key player in Central Asia, has benefitted from this shift, with U.S. diplomacy placing greater emphasis on supporting the country’s modernization efforts, fostering economic cooperation, and promoting regional stability. As the U.S. presidential candidates outline their foreign policy agendas, their approach to Central Asia will likely reflect this broader shift, moving beyond traditional concerns to embrace new forms of partnership that align with Uzbekistan’s own evolving role on the global stage.