Despite Tashkent's growing independence, the two countries still have reasons to cooperate.

Russia will keep a close watch as tensions reignite between the Central Asian countries.

The first real move toward a rail line linking China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan has been made, but many obstacles remain.

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.

The Kazakh and Uzbek leaders will have a rare one-on-one meeting.

Turkmenistan is reassessing its position in Central Asia and its relationship with Russia.

Recent developments have brought the military bloc's intent and capabilities into question.

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.