Afghan troop withdrawal could hurt Central Asia - expert

    Afghan militants could infiltrate Central Asia following the withdrawal of the international coalition troops from Afghanistan, Assylbek Mendygaliyev, senior researcher at the Institute of Statehood, Security and Development under the Nazarbayev Center states.
    “The withdrawal of the international troops from Afghanistan may result in a possible penetration of the militants and extremists into Central Asian countries,” he wrote in an article in Kazakhstanskaya Pravda published on January 19.
    Medyhaliyev said drug trafficking to Kazakhstan and neighboring countries could spike. “In general, the expected withdrawal of the coalition troops amid remaining instability and confrontations inside Afghanistan, as well as a lack of real progress in reviving social and economic processes could have a very negative effect, first of all on the situation in Central Asia and then on security of Russia,” he wrote.
    He added it was necessary for all countries in the region “to hinder the penetration of extremists and drug trafficking, using the potential of the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) and maybe the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization)” prior to the withdrawal of the international coalition troops from Afghanistan.
    “For this purpose the Collective Security Council of the CSTO plans to organize a permanent watch over the troops of the Collective Security Forces for an adequate response to any complications on the border with Afghanistan”.
    “Such forces are located on military bases in Tajikistan (the 201^st division) and Kyrgyzstan (Kant air base). In case of necessity to strengthen these divisions, it would be reasonable to involve additional troops of the CSTO Collective Forces,” Mendygaliyev notes.
    Meanwhile, according to the expert, Russia and Central Asian states have to enhance cooperation with international coalition forces and the Afghan government to counter drug trafficking. Achieving this goal, he believes, requires an activation of the CSTO's existing anti-drug mission called -- Channel. It is also needed to continue a more active participation in the international efforts for the economic restoration of Afghanistan, to support its security and ensure political stability in the country, Mendygaliyev stressed, www.tengrinews.kz reports.