Tajikistan: A Victim of Terrorism

The former Soviet republic of Tajikistan borders on Afghanistan. Tajik President Imomali Rakhmonov was among the first to endorse the US - British campaign against the Taliban regime. Rakhmonov supports US plans to build an international coalition against the Taliban.

"Tajikistan has more than once suffered from terrorism and supports...the U.S. government and its forces in dealing with the fight against international terrorism," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"The Tajik government noted...that it would cooperate with countries in the spheres of exchanging information on terrorism, extremism and radicalism."

However, the impoverished middle eastern state has previously said it could not get involved in another country's conflict.

"The (Tajik) army will not get involved in any kind of conflict or military action in other countries... The military is only used for the country's defence," the Defence Ministry spokesman said.He also said the border with Afghanistan was quiet.

Independent Tajikstan

Since it gained independence after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Tajikistan has had three changes in government and gone through a five-year civil war. In 1997 rival factions signed a peace agreement and implementation was completed in late 1999.

However, random political upheavals and territorial disputes prevent the country from engaging on an international level.

Parts of Tajikistan's border with Uzbekistan and its eastern border with China are still occasional flashpoints. Territorial disputes also arise with Kyrgyzstan on its northern boundary in the Isfara Valley area.

Tajikistan is the poorest of the 15 former Soviet republics. Like in almost all of them, cotton is the most important crop. Although mineral resources are varied, they are severely limited.

The only noteworthy industry is a large aluminum plant, some hydropower facilities, and small non-functional factories. Most of these are in light industry and food processing.

After six years of civil conflict and the loss of subsidies from the former Soviet Union, the Tajik economy is in a dire state. Most Tadjiks live a life of poverty.

Today, Tajikistan depends on aid from Russia and Uzbekistan as well as on international humanitarian help for much of its subsistence needs.