Window of Opportunity

<p>Prior to 11 September 2001 the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) posed a serious threat to Central Asian stability. The IMU a militant fundamentalist Islamic group declared that its goal was to overthrow the Central Asian governments and establish an Islamic state. By 2001 the IMU supported by Al Qaeda and the Taliban was capable of destabilizing Central Asia. <br><br>Following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 on the United States (US) the US fought against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. In order to prosecute the conflict the US gained the support of and deployed forces to some of the Central Asian states. <br><br>This thesis question explores the effect that the post 11 September 2001 US involvement in Central Asia had on the IMU. The thesis concludes that the IMU was devastated by the US intervention while the Central Asian states were substantially strengthened. This created a window of opportunity for the Central Asian governments to resolve Islamic fundamentalist unrest in Central Asia. Should these governments support religious freedoms and political and economic reform this would undercut the IMU popular support. If there is no change in government policies the IMU will likely transform into an Al Qaeda-like organization and resume its efforts to destabilize Central Asia.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>