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The events of 9/11 catapulted Central Asia into the world's spotlight, due to its strategic importance. Following the events of 9/11, Central Asia emerged from the shadows to the forefront of global attention. September 11 events have changed the world politics and global balance in international politics, which had an impact on the situation in Central Asia. Regional security problems are now in the focus of the main regional and non-regional powers. This paper focuses on the main geopolitical actor in the region - USA and analyzes its influence on the regional situation in the light of the great powers' anti-terrorist activities. It is important to discuss the question of the US strategy in Central Asia after 11 September 2001 in order to understand the dynamics of the relations between the USA and Central Asian countries.
Post-2001, a new phase started in the US policy towards Central Asia, which is characterized by the combination of unique geopolitical factors. Central Asia became a vital zone of interest for the USA, as it was the beginning of a new understanding of the region by the West. In the 1990s and the beginning of 2000s the American policy makers discussed the role that should be played by the USA in Central Asia - security manager, hegemon or limited partner. They also discussed the ways to implement this policy.
After following the policy of avoiding to assume responsibility in Central Asia, the United States found itself in the middle of Central Asian politics. The terrorist attacks put Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan among the important frontline states in America's war on terrorism. Reforms in political and economic field were no longer a matter of priority in the US regional policy. The war on terror imposed new requirements on the US strategy in Central Asia. After 9/ 11 and the beginning of the American military presence in Central Asia there was a lot of discussion among the American analysts about the "new Washington's strategy in the region."
In 2002, President Bush's administration adopted two principal policy initiatives. First, through the Freedom Act in Afghanistan the US intended to establish democracy and promote civil society as a means of eradicating terrorism. Second, the "US National Security Strategy, 2002" pledged...