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BASIC INFORMATION

//__History__// In the late 19th century, Russia overpowered Uzbekistan. In the Soviet era, there were large productions of cotton (known as white gold) and grain which caused there to be an over usage of chemicals. That also led to some rivers drying out completely. Since they won their independence, the country is trying to not depend on agriculture when developing its mineral and petroleum reserves. Concerns of Uzbekistan (now) are because of terrorism by Islamic rebels, slow advancing economics, and few human rights and democratization. Uzbekistan lies between the two rivers, Amu Darya and Syr Darya, at the heart of Central Asia, and includes a large heritage. It used to be the third largest Soviet Republic because of its large population, and was the fourth largest in territory. But, that all went away after the collapse of the Soviet Union. For thousands of years, Uzbekistan has been very important for many things. In the 300's B.C., Alexander the Great was known for seizing control of Uzbekistan. 300's B.C.-1400's B.C. were important dates because people took advantage of Uzbekistan. This is because of how close it was to the Silk Road. During the 600's, Uzbekistan was invaded by the Arabs. Because of that, this country is now Islamic.

//__Economy__// It is not directly controlled by the government, the government usually controls raw materials and transportation. It also controls marketing, particularly exports. Cotton is the most important agricultural product in Uzbekistan. Other less important products are grapes, melons, and other different types of fruit. Also, milk, rice, and vegetables. Wool of sheep is extremely expensive and important for coats. They also produce coal, copper, gold, natural gas, and petroleum. The most important manufactured products are machinery, chemicals, and text tiles.

__//Economic Background://__ Since the Independence of Uzbekistan/ division of the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan’s economy has dropped rapidly and there has been social hardship. Karimov’s government attacked leaders of the political opposition in 1992. Causing them to be jailed or forced into exile. Because of this, there had to be careful watch over the judicial system. __//Economic Struggles://__ Uzbekistan has barely any economic, social, and civil and political rights. Although, Uzbekistan has tried really hard to manage a variety of social welfare rights, civil and political rights have been under a huge amount of pressure. Economical things [anything] have been produced or brought by slowly, which has caused a delay in any growth of Uzbekistan economically. On the bright side of this struggle, Uzbekistan has had many positive achievements. For example, since its independence in 1991, it //has// increased its oil and gas production. It became a net oil exporter in 1995. It also became the fourth largest oil producer in the post-Soviet area. It is a leading producer of gas in the post-Soviet area as well. Finally Uzbekistan supplies gas to southern Kyrgyzstan, southern Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.

__//Political Background://__ Tamerlane conquered Uzbekistan in the fourteenth century. Later on, in the second half of the nineteenth century, the Russians brought railroads, cities, and cotton growing to Uzbekistan. After the downfall of the Russian revolution and the czarist regime, a competing government was created by pro- Bolshevik Russian workers. In 1924, a soviet regime was acknowledged. To keep the control over the country, Uzbekistan was divided into separate ethic and linguistic lines. Thus, creating the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. Joseph Stalin (1924-1953) changed the Soviet Union. It was now a highly centralized totalitarian dictatorship. Moscow was now in control. On August 25, 1991, Uzbekistan declared its independence, changed its name from Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic to the Republic of Uzbekistan. Also it joined other soviet republics to establish an association called the Commonwealth of Independent States.

//__Land and Climate__// Eighty percent of Uzbekistan is plains and deserts. The Kyzylkum desert is located in the central region of Uzbekistan. It is largely inhabited. Summers in Uzbekistan are long, dry, and hot, and their winters are cold. Temperatures may reach 113 degrees F in summer. In the winter, it may drop to -35 degrees F.

It depends on what their natural resources are. We found information at a website (http://www.globalissues.org/Geopolitics/MiddleEast.asp) that is basically saying that right now, the Middle Eastern Countries are fighting over oil. (Also the production of it) Basically most of the conflicts are based on who has what natural resource and who wants them/ how important it is.
 * 1. What factors influence why or why not a country is involved in the Middle Eastern conflicts going on today?**

They could block off all communication with the region so no on ecan communicate them. They could not share any natural resources with that region to show that they want to be an independent part of the region. They can remain isolated, maybe, to create a better economic standing within the region, or they could learn how to depend on themselves for anything they need.
 * 2. How can a country remain isolated or neutral in this region?**

We think that this country could go either way: In about fifteen years, this country will take advantage of its high economics, and start exporting to other countries for money.
 * 3. Where do you think this country will be in 50 years, politically and internationally?**
 * Up in economics
 * Down in population and money

But also, because of its slow moving economics from the past and now, they could end up worse in the future.

By: Kayli Read, Ariella Cross, & Shawn Simmons-Banus