Other Central Asian countries likely will follow Kyrgyzstan's joining the Russian Customs Union.

Stratfor examines Russia's strategy for continuing its resurgence in Central Asia.

Russia is using increased energy export duties to pressure Tajikistan to allow an expanded Russian security presence in the Central Asian country. (With STRATFOR map)

Italian energy firm ENI will benefit because of its experience and contacts when Libya restarts oil production, but other firms and countries also will gain from their support for Libya's rebels.

Canada's Conservative Party has its first majority government, meaning it can focus on the policy issues it deems important without catering to the opposition.

Many issues remain unresolved between Turkmenistan and China as they negotiate an expanded natural gas supply agreement. (With STRATFOR map)

China has ambitious plans to free itself from its dependence on foreign sources of iron ore. Even so, it is not likely to escape this dependence any time soon.

Although Russia's control over Central Asia's energy sector is unquestionable, recent and upcoming developments could weaken Russia's grip.

The geography and allocation of resources in Central Asia has led to frequent and intensifying disputes among the region's five countries.

China is offering to purchase natural gas -- and influence -- in Turkmenistan.