USA IN CENTRAL ASIA AND AFGHANISTAN: UNCLEAR PERSPECTIVES AND LACK OF CONSENSUS WITHIN THE AMERICAN ESTABLISHMENT

Abstract

In this article, the authors explore the polarity of views within the American political establishment on the problem of US participation in the war in Afghanistan, as well as relations with the countries of Central Asia. Each of these groups has its own vision on the future of U.S. military campaign offering various solutions for the dialog with Taliban, increase U.S. troops, support of Afghanistan government, and role of regional powers such as Uzbekistan, China, Russia, India and even Iran in Afghanistan’s domestic affairs. Also, some of these groups offers to find a mediator among Central Asian countries for the negotiations between Afghanistan government and Taliban.