Central Asia Security Problems in the Context of Coalition Troops Withdrawal from Afghanistan
The importance of the problem under study is suggested by the geopolitical significance of Central Asia, increased threat to its security on behalf of radical Islamism, as well as ended coalition troops withdrawal from Afghanistan by the beginning of 2015. The article is intended to analyze the link between the withdrawals of International Security Assistance Force from Afghanistan and the modern security challenges of Central Asia, also to determine counteraction to these threats. The main approach to the study of the problem is geopolitical analysis of the region and threats to its security. During the study there were pointed out such factors as the penetration of Islamic extremists into the region from Afghanistan, maintenance of US military bases, as well as the feasibility of emergence of destructive political developments, like “Arab spring”. The particular emphasis is given to the role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Collective Security Treaty Organization in providing regional security and preventing destructive scenario. The materials of the article might be useful in conducting scientific research on the issues of Central Asia, providing lectures and seminars in training, also working out mechanisms of counteraction to the treats of regional security.
A Partnership for Central Asia
DESPITE near-constant warnings of imminent chaos, Afghanistan has come a long way since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001. Security has improved markedly, and the economy has stabilized. A national assembly has ratified an impressive constitution, and pres idential elections were held. If progress continues, the reconstruction of Afghanistan will mark a significant victory in the war on terrorism. If it flags, the recent gains will start to erode. Central Asia as a whole is also at a turning point. Following Septem ber 11, 2001, Washington entered into new understandings with every government in the region; all saw Afghanistan as a security threat and thus were eager to help. But whether Washington's present interest in the region will turn into a sustained commitment to Afghanistan and its neighbors is still unclear. Already, members of Congress are pushing to reduce U.S. assistance to Afghanistan, arguing that the principal U.S. objective there-the destruction ofthe Taliban-has been achieved. Many Central Asian leaders are beginning to hedge their bets, assuming that U.S. attention will soon shift elsewhere. What few U.S. policymakers have recognized is that recent progress in Afghanistan has created a remarkable opportunity-not only for Afghanistan but for the rest of Central Asia as well. The United States now has the chance to help transform Afghanistan and the entire region
Mechanical behaviour and durability of high volume fly ash cementitious composites
The purpose of this research is to separate different morphological particles of ASTM class F fly ash, and study their effect on mechanical behaviour and durability of high volume cementitious mixtures. In this research wet separation of raw fly ash is carried out, which resulted in three layers of different morphological particles. The first layer of particles float, comprise of about 1-5% of fly ash, is identified as cenospheres or hollow spheres. The second layer of particles is measured to be 55-60% of raw fly ash and consisting of porous spherical and rounded particles rich in Si and Al. The third layer particles is measured to be about 35-40% of raw fly ash. High volume fly ash cementitious composites containing second or third layer particles are tested under compression and bending, highlighting a higher strength and ductility in comparison to cementitious ones containing raw fly ash particles. KEYWORDS. Cementitious matrix; Raw fly ash; Second layer particles; Third layer particles.