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US Military Bases and Forces in Central Asia
RFE/RL [Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty] Central Asia analyst Daniel Kimmage interviewed Roger McDermott in London on 19 May. McDermott is a research associate at the University of Kent and the author of Defeating Global Terrorism: Developing the Antiterrorist Capabilities of the Central Asian States. RFE/RL: What military facilities does the United States maintain in Uzbekistan? McDermott: The United States was granted vital access to facilities at Karshi-Khanabad, by the government of Uzbekistan, in support of the U.S.âs violent overthrow of the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001. The deployment includes around 1,800 personnel, constituted of air support and logistics personnel, military police, and a Special Forces battalion, which provides direct counterterrorist training to the Uzbekistani armed forces. RFE/RL: How important are these facilities to operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere? McDermott: Access to Karshi-Khanabad proved to be a vital element in the rapid military success in Afghanistan, as well as providing a continued suitable base from which to launch offensive air operations in search of Al-Qaeda, Taliban, and IMU [Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan] remnants in Afghanistan. Although the U.S. does not directly pay for its use of the base, increased levels of economic aid, which followed the deployment, are seen as an important quid pro quo. Moreover, the political influence of the U.S. military presence, though small in numbers, far exceeds its military significance. That is to say, without the entry of U.S. forces to the country and host nation support for the Global War on Terrorism [GWOT] the U.S.-Uzbek Strategic Partnership signed in 2002 simply would not have taken place. RFE/RL: What is the main purpose of the U.S. air base at Manas, Kyrgyzstan? McDermott: Kyrgyzstan granted basing rights to U.S. and coalition personnel in support of combat and combat support units at Manas airport. Each takeoff and landing at Manas costs the U.S. $7000-$7500. RFE/RL: How do these facilities fit in with the "lily-pad theory" of military bases? McDermott: In the context of the U.S. examining the possible closure or downsizing of its current European bases, there has been speculation that new bases could be established elsewhere, including within the Central Asian region. Such bases, known as "operating sites" and "lily pads," remain an attractive option for Pentagon planners, aware of the sensitive nature of any suggestion of permanent bases in the region, since the bases could be used during a crisis to allow access and support. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has continued to praise the role of Uzbekistan and access to Karshi-Khanabad in the GWOT, whilst seeking to downplay the prospect of a permanent U.S. military presence. Karimovâs government would most likely be open to any plans for its facilities to be used as "lily pads." The interview continues with these questions: How have Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan benefited from military cooperation with the United States? How long do you think the United States will continue to maintain these facilities in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan? How would you describe Russian views on the U.S. military presence in Central Asia? Do you see any prospects for U.S.-Russian military cooperation in Central Asia? Do you consider that the United States will increase military cooperation with any other Central Asian countries? Do you consider that the foreign military presence -- both Russian and U.S. -- acts as a stabilizing or destabilizing factor in Central Asia? Posted by: Mike Sylwester 2004-05-26 |
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