Uzbekistan Withdraws From Russia-Lead Military Alliance CSTO

Uzbekistan Withdraws From Russia-Lead Military Alliance -- The Telegraph

Uzbekistan has withdrawn from a Russia-lead military alliance of former Soviet states, triggering a wave of speculation that it wants closer ties with the US.

Strategically located on the southern fringe of Central Asia, Uzbekistan is an important but controversial partner for the West, which needs its support to withdraw military kit from neighbouring Afghanistan from 2014.

The Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) didn’t give any official reasons for Uzbekistan’s withdrawal from the alliance when it announced the news in Moscow last Thursday but analysts and commentators were quick to describe it as a move towards the US.

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Update: Tashkent deserts CSTO - again -- Asia Times

My Comment: Uzbekistan has always had an independent streak .... playing both sides when it is convenient for them.