Publication

Developments in Afghanistan are important for Russia, largely because of that country’s interests in Central Asia. Seeking to retain its influence in the region, Russia is interested in neither ISAF’s full success, nor its failure. But the opening of transport corridors for ISAF supplies demonstrates that the country is prepared to cooperate on a limited scale with NATO in Afghanistan, especially where this may bring benefits (blocking NATO’s enlargement, concluding disarmament talks with the US, strengthening the Collective Security Treaty Organisation).