America’s Afghan pullout was a strategic debacle. Going back to Bagram Air Base would only sink the U.S. into another costly, divisive and failure-prone intervention in a geo-economic war at the center of Asia.

Kyrgyzstan doesn’t make global headlines often, but its central location between China, Russia, and Europe makes it a necessary partner for new developments in Central Asia. How does far-flung Germany fit into the picture as Kyrgz leadership ramps up its infrastructure?

While Central Asia is caught between two adversarial powers, it is unlikely to distance itself from Russia and China due to its geographical proximity and the already well-established ties between these nations.

Third high-level meeting of Afghan officials, together with the foreign ministers of neighboring countries, reflected China’s strategic commitment to the greater Middle East region and charted a course that can lead to the end of chaos.

Central Asia, which is abundant with minerals and holds strong economic promise, is caught in a growing power rivalry between China and the United States.

China has increased is trade, investment, and loans in Central Asia, and although China and the U.S. differ regarding democracy promotion, human rights, and Russian security activities in the region, they can work together on economic integration, countering terrorism, and combating drug trafficking.