9/11 and confrontation in Asia

9 years have passed since 9/11. The response to this act was the US decision to combat terrorism around the world as USA became the leading force in confronting terrorism. Most countries supported USA, whereas some started to yield benefits for itself. The western world did its utmost not to apply any religious connotations to the war against terrorism. However, the terrorist organizations themselves have tried to promote religious motives and carry out their activities based on Muslim fundamentalism. The western position is quite understandable. It is better to carry out an ideological battle, than to attempt a religious confrontation when civilizations are confronting each other. The results of 9 years of combat are evaluated very controversially. Some analysts think that terrorist activities have reached their peak and that their resources are now exhausted, politically and morally, as well as financially. Besides, Islamic fundamentalism is losing its initial vitality. However, other analysts are less optimistic. They highlight the unstable situations in Iraq and Afghanistan respectively, as well as terrorist activity in Africa, Asia and in the north Caucasus in the Russian federation's territory.

The US officially condemned the terrorist attack in Vladikavkaz recently and expressed its readiness to assist Russia. Meanwhile, USA is winding down its military activities in Iraq and turning its attention to Afghanistan. It is difficult to predict whether the current Iraqi administration will be able to secure peace and order in the country, or whether the country will be split into three parts; the regions of Sunni, Shiites and Kurds. If this takes place there will be less chance for peaceful development and the situation could escalate severely there.

As for Afghanistan, the anti-terrorist coalition plans to make a final breakthrough therein, as the Afghan situation considerably influences the situation in Pakistan. There exists a threat that Islamic fundamentalism could spread into the former soviet central Asian countries.

Georgia meanwhile, is openly supportive of anti-terrorism activities, as shown by the contingent of Georgian soldiers who were serving in Iraq and are now serving in Afghanistan. Sadly, they have already suffered their first casualty, a Georgian officer died and another was badly wounded.

The Georgian administration states that the country is committed to continue its participation in these operations. This is very important, not only from the point of view of supporting a strategic ally, but for building up the Georgian army. Georgians hope that now, when the US leaves Iraq, it will enable them to pay more attention to other regions, specifically the south Caucasus. Georgian analysts think that, in the coming autumn, many things will become clearer. However, it is premature to make predictions, so let us wait for the developments.