A recent article in the EUobserver (euobserver.com/875/23634) described how the European Union plans to use water as an implement of foreign policy. Specifically, the EU is targeting Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Western Balkans.
With respect to Central Asia, the EU cites "environment" and "water management" in an effort to bring "security and good governance" to the region to create a "ring of well-governed countries to the east of the European Union". The EU plans to spend about 719 million euros (almost $1 billion at today's exchange rate) of its Central Asian budget from 2007-2013 on funding new water infrastructure and environmental education. It also wants international banks to provide some funding as well.
There is a lot to be done in Central Asia. Everyone knows about the disaster that has befallen the Aral Sea, although the northern Aral Sea is apparently coming back. In my earlier post (12 March 2007) on Lake Balkhash, I reported that China and Kazkhstan are fussing over flows into the lake: Kazakhstan wants unimpeded flows, China wants to divert water. The aforementioned EUobserver article cited Afghanistan's claim to water from the Amu Darya's downstream waters as a potential flash point. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan might not find much to cheer about should Afghanistan act on its claim, and would likely find such an act a hostile one.
When it comes to Central Asia, the EU's actions are not simply about altruism, and promoting good governance and harmony. There also happens to be the issue of energy resources: The former Soviet republics of Central Asia, mainly Kazakhstan (oil, gas, coal) and Turkmenistan (gas) - have lots. The EU wants access to these resources, so Russia cannot use its gas and oil as a weapon. Russia, of course, does not relish EU (or USA) hegemony in Central Asia, nor does China, for that matter, as it lusts for the same energy resources. In fact, the two have formed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional economic and security consortium to counter the West's efforts in Central Asia.
NATO is also casting its eyes eastward. Last June, it sponsored three workshops in Almaty, Kazakhstan. One of them, which I attended, dealt specifically with water security in Central Asia. One of my Russian colleagues asked "How does it feel to be a pawn in the new 'Great Game', my friend?" He was referring to the 19th century "competition" between Russia (which they called the "Tournament of Shadows") and Great Britain for influence in that part of the world.
So it is in the EU's and USA's best interests to keep the lid on in Central Asia, have the locals avoid conflict, and keep that oil and gas flowing.
Sounds good, right?
Now, what about the South Caucasus? That'll be coming soon.
"The optimist learns English. The pessimist learns Chinese. The realist learns Kalashnikov." -- Dr. A. Saghatelyan, an Armenian colleague of mine.
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