The region constitutes the world's most fascinating geopolitical experiment.
Stratfor
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan could face a bleak water future even without the proposed upriver dams.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan hope to build new hydropower dams, which could increase tensions with downriver countries.
Turkmenistan is reassessing its position in Central Asia and its relationship with Russia.
Protests, skirmishes and attacks in 2012 highlight numerous trends affecting the stability of Central Asia.
The Customs Union can gauge Moscow's success in spreading its influence in its former Soviet republics.
Recent military developments spurred Ashgabat to attend a regional air defense meeting after a nearly two-decade absence.
Moscow will continue to use counternarcotics efforts to maintain its strategic position in Central Asia.
The trend is part of Turkey's regional ascendance.
