Radical islamist activity in Central Asia is going nowhere Soon

Abstract

Religious extremism is regarded as a major threat to the stability and security of the international community. Particularly cases of Islamic extremism such as the Iranian Revolution, attacks on Western embassies, hostage takings and other violent acts have all led to expectations of an inevitable clash between a radical Islam and the West. Unrest among Muslims of the former Soviet Union from the Caucasus to Central Asia, in former Yugoslavia, in Xinjiang in China, in Palestine and in North Africa has strengthened images of a potentially explosive Islam in global politics. After the break-up of the Soviet Union, Islam in Central Asia constitutes a very powerful transitional force. Radical Islam in Central Asia is largely a result of a repressive political atmosphere and authoritarian policies. Repressed and unable to operate in their own countries, the radicalized portion of Central Asian populations, mostly found in the Fergana Valley, emigrated to join international groups such as Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT), Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and Al-Qaida only to return to Central Asia with greater prospects.