Uzbekistan's Closure of the Airbase at Karshi-Khanabad: Context and Implications

Abstract:

In late July 2005, Uzbekistan terminated an agreement permitting U.S. forces to use the Karshi-Khanabad (K2) airbase in the southern part of the country to support coalition military operations in Afghanistan. U.S. forces are moving to other airstrips, including those in Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. Major concerns include whether cooler security ties with Uzbekistan will set back the U.S.-led Global War on Terrorism and other U.S. interests in Central Asia. This report may be updated. Related products include CRS Report RS22161, Unrest in Uzbekistan, by Jim Nichol.