The five Central Asian states are debating switching from the Cyrillic to the Latin alphabet in an attempt to end their relative isolation and loosen their ties to Russia. [more]
Kazakhstan, one of the largest wheat exporters in the world, is considering reducing or even halting grain exports. This could have unpleasant consequences for the other four Central Asian states. (With Stratfor map)[more]
Kyrgyz Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev was sacked Nov. 28, just weeks before a snap parliamentary election in the unstable Central Asian country, ensuring a full consolidation of the government under Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. [more]
China is making a bid for Central Asia's energy resources, a move that will ultimately expand into a bid for geopolitical control of the entire region. [more]
Stratfor CEO Dr. George Friedman discusses his new book, "The Next 100 Years" which publishes January 27, 2009. The book, which has already begun receiving critical acclaim, offers a lucid, highly readable forecast of the changes he expects around the world during the 21st century.
"Israel's intention here is to wreck Hamas - its infrastructure, its personnel. They don't expect to be able to destroy Hamas permanently as an organization."
George Friedman Fox Business Network December 29, 2008
"Deploying ships to the Gulf of Aden marks a significant step in the evolution of China's navy, according to a report by Stratfor, an Austin, Texas-based intelligence company. The mission will be complicated, offering vital on-the-job training in refueling, resupply and repairs far from home as well as patrolling for pirates, Stratfor said."
Associated Press December 26, 2008
Out of the Shadows
Stratfor vice president for counterterrorism and corporate security Fred Burton discusses his best-selling book, an autobiography of a career spent hunting terrorists and protecting national security.