[Freed says that the US has its own interests in the region, which could be commensurate with Russian interests. For instance, the Deputy Secretary pointed out] the fight against Islamic extremism and drug trade. ... The interests of the USA in the Central Asia are classical geo-politics, where the bets are high. Beside the oil aspect, which is also a concern of Russia, China and India, the Central Asian countries border with Iran and Pakistan, where there is a growth of anti-American sentiments. The efforts of Rice to reinforce American interests should be coming from the idea that the US policy is a two-way street. We have to hear, and not only to lecture: to give, and not only to demand.
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