DUSHANBE, July 14, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Suhrob Sharipov, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Tajikistan, considers that the main geopolitical players have begun a serious game for influence in Central Asia.

In a report released at a news conference in Dushanbe, Sharipov noted on July 14 that pressure from the United States and Russia that have their own interests in the region is increasing from day to day.  “If we analyze official visits to Tajikistan over the last month, who visited the country and after whom, it will become clear that serious game has begun.”

According to him, the countries of the region should be vigilant in order not to become a plaything in the hands of these powers; “otherwise, the fate of Georgia may be in store for us.”

The Tajik think tank head also noted that NATO’s plan to withdraw forces from Afghanistan until 2014 could dramatically change the situation in the region.  “Therefore, the countries of the region should have plans of actions for the period until and after 2014,” said Sharipov, “We must combine our efforts in order to efficiently address the threats.”

He noted that heads of centers for strategic studies from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan met this month in Almaty, Kazakhstan to discuss a single strategy of action after withdrawal from the collation forces from Afghanistan.  “We have agreed to hold similar meetings in Dushanbe and Bishkek as well,” said Sharipov, “May be Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will also join us as they also border Afghanistan.”

He noted that the United States and countries of the European Union (EU) should provide all-round assistance to Central Asia’s countries states to provide regional security after withdrawal of the coalition forces from Afghanistan.

“They must not do as the Soviet Union did; Soviet troops entered Afghanistan, deteriorated the situation and left the country,” the expert said, noting that Russia that uses the Okno space surveillance facility in Tajikistan should also provide assistance.