Afghanistan, the “heart of Asia,” may become a security provider of sorts for the region if it succeeds in stifling groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, but real progress will follow when it constructively engages with Central Asia republics
In order to grow trade between Azerbaijan and Turkey, both the governments are looking to construct a rail line via the Zangezur corridor, and Iran may end up forming a part of this railway connection
For the first time in 3 decades, a U.S. President talked to the assembled leaders of the five Central Asian republics, a meeting that Washington hopes will lead to increasing cooperation in commodities, trade and diplomacy.