Central Asia is one of the least understood of the world's regions. American interest has increased sharply, however, since the attacks made by members of the Afghanistan-based Al Qaeda terrorist network on the United States on September 11, 2001. Currently, the U.S.-led War against Terror focuses on eradicating Al Qaeda and Taliban personnel and influence from Afghanistan. At the same time, government agencies and nongovernmental organizations worldwide are striving to help Afghanistan rebuild itself as the country enters a new phase of political and social development. The greatest optimism is inspired by http://www.un.org/womenwatch/afghanistan/ as they receive long-denied education and greater opportunities for employment.

Central Asia also contains significant reserves of the world's oil and priceless artifacts of cultural heritage from the Mongol Empire and the Silk Road. Many countries are beginning to exploit their petroleum resources, which may ultimately attract more outside investment, and recognition to the region.  It is estimated that total oil reserves in the region run between 70 and 200 billion barrels, second only to the 600 billion barrels in the Persian Gulf.

The Mongols & Genghis Khan - During the 1200s, the Mongols created the largest territorial empire the Earth had ever seen.  Their leader was a Mongol warrior named Genghis Khan,  and it was his ability to unite the Mongol people that led to the creation of an empire that extended from southern China in the southeast to Ukraine in the west and Iraq in the southwest.  The legacy of the empire has played an important role in shaping the subsequent political and economic history of Eurasia.

Major events relevant to Mongol history up to 1300 

The Mountains of Central Asia - The world's highest mountains are located in Central Asia.  Its core highland area is known as the Pamir Knot, a complex tangle of ranges located where Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, and Tajikistan converge.  Several distinct ranges radiate outward from the Pamir Knot in various directions.  Although the Himalayas, located along the border between China (Tibet), Nepal, and India, are the highest and most famous mountains, peaks well over 20,000 feet are found in Karakoram, Altun Shan, and Tien Shan ranges as well.

Tibet - A source of much discussion in recent decades is the Tibetan movement for independence.  In 1949, China launched a massive invasion of Tibet.  Pursued by the Chinese army, the 23-year-old Dalai Lama escaped over the Zsagola pass, ultimately finding refuge in India.  View images from Tibetan society.

Opposing views over Tibet:
The Government of Tibet in Exile

Because of the low population density of Central Asia, much of the area has a relatively clean environment.  A few of the cities of the former Soviet Union, such as Tashkent, Uzbekistan, do have serious problems with industrial pollution.  Fortunately, most areas within the region remain practically pristine with little human impact of any kind.  There are, however, some other concerns worth noting, including the expansion of the Gobi Desert, which is causing major problems in China and Mongolia.

The Caspian Sea - In an ironic twist, the Caspian Sea, which experienced major problems with falling lake levels in the 1960s and 1970s, is now witnessing a reversal of this.  In recent years, the water level of the Caspian Sea has been steadily rising.    The region is particularly important because of its large oil reserves, a resource which has become an important business in Caspian cities such as Baku, Azerbaijan.  Unfortunately, a number of coastal areas, including some that carry important infrastructure that supports the oil industry, have been flooded.

MIR satellite image of Caspian and Aral Seas

Use satellite images to conduct a change detection and analysis of the Aral Sea since 1964.

Take a closer look at historic Baku, Azerbaijan and its offerings of unique art and culture. Baku was a holy site to believers in Zoroastrianism.

Explore Mongolia and its people, religion, culture, and environment. 

Take a virtual field trip to Tibet, now an autonomous region of China known as Xizang.

Visit the Fergana Valley, a fertile and strategically important land shared by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Travel the modern Silk Road through Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. See people and places as they were photographed in 2004.

Radio Stations:

Pyramid Radio - 105.5 FM - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan ~ Pop Music

Newspapers & Other News Sources:
Kazakhstan Weekly News  - Kazakhstan (English)
Afghan Online Press - Afghanistan (English)
Kabar (Kyrgyz National News Agency)  - Kyrgyzstani
Azerbaijan International - Azerbaijani
Weather Forecasts:

             [ Russia & its neighbors  |  Satellite images ]
 
Embassies in Washington D.C.:

Mongolia
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan
Azerbaijan

Additional Links:

Lemar-Aftaab (online magazine featuring the culture of Afghanistan)
Russia and the Former Soviet Republics Maps
Asian Studies - WWW Virtual Libraries
 

This activity contains 2 questions.

	American movies such as Seven Years in Tibet help generate public interest in the issue of regaining independence for Tibet.  Concerts and rallies worldwide further the cause of Tibet's Dalai Lama.  Yet the Chinese government has a very different position when it comes to Tibet.  Take a look at the opposing views of The Government of Tibet in Exile and China Internet News: Tibet. Note some of the opposing positions the two sides take.  Do you believe that there is any room for compromise over the issue of Tibetan independence?   To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

	U.S. interests in Central Asia continue to evolve as countries in this region decide how to participate in globalization and whether to open their societies to democracy. As this Washington Post article asks, can Central Asian countries effectively trade their strategic locations in the U.S.-led War on Terror for successful trade opportunities? Meanwhile, China cracks down on political opponents in Xinjiang and Xizang with the claim that they are engaging in the War on Terror as well. Using evidence to support your argument, is this a legitimate claim? Please select ONE of the above questions to answer.   To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

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