Leading experts mull prospects for prosperity in Caspian Basin

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), leading Washington policy institute, held a conference titled "Prospects for Prosperity in the Caspian Basin: Energy, Reform, and 20 years of Diplomatic Relations with the U.S." yesterday, Trend special correspondent reports. As the countries of the Caspian Basin celebrate 20 years of independence and diplomatic relations with the United States, the global power of the U.S. comes under increasing question and energy security continues to play a major role in foreign policy.

During his opening remarks, former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and to Azerbaijan, Ross Wilson, currently the Director of the Atlantic Council, addressed the role Washington played in the region following the break-up of the Soviet Union. He said, "the Caspian region's greatest liability was its people's deep isolation," which the U.S. government tried to tackle by exposing the next generation of leadership to the rest of the world through education programs and fellowships.

The participants addressed the need for anti-corruption reforms, reduction in the state's role in the economy, stronger commitment to trade liberalization, and most importantly regional economic cooperation. They stressed that the abovementioned issues need to be addressed in order for the countries to be able to transform their energy assets into long-term prosperity and stability.

The analysts, academics and policy makers recognized the danger of United States disengagement and lack of vision in the region. They pointed out the need for Washington to play an active diplomatic role in the region, especially as the countries continue their search for security, which has been haunting them since their independence.

Glen Howard, President of the Jamestown Foundation said, "The Caucasus has changes. It has gone from NATO borderland to a NATO transit zone, it is NATO's Silk Road."

In his remarks, Alex Vatanka, a Scholar at the Middle East Institute, spoke to the role of Iran in the Caspian region. Mr. Vatanka addressed how Iran's internal political infighting, when it comes to foreign policy issues, has prevented Tehran from stopping any energy projects by its neighbours and becoming an actual "spoiler" in the region. Iran's choice to put "all of its eggs into the Russian basket" has clearly not paid off, but the leadership remains optimistic about the return of President Putin. Mr. Vatanka predicted that the relations between Iran and Azerbaijan are likely to get worse and we can expect increase in propaganda aimed at Baku.

The expert shared recommendations for U.S. government to continue and strengthen its role as a regional stabilizer as part of the New Silk Road and other efforts. This is especially important in light of military withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The forum included presentations and comments by Janusz Bugajski (CSIS), Ariel Cohen (Heritage Foundation), Heather Conley (CSIS), Nargiz Gurbanova (Embassy of Azerbaijan), Glen Howard (Jamestown Foundation), Marlène Laruelle (George Washington University), Jeffrey Mankoff (CSIS), David Rakviashvili (Embassy of Georgia), Greg Saunders (BP), Rashmi Shankar (World Bank), Fred Starr (Central Asia-Caucasus Institute), H.E. Elin Suleymanov, (Embassy of Azerbaijan), Alex Vatanka (Middle East Institute), Ben Welch (World Bank), and Ambassador Ross Wilson (Atlantic Council).


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