Dear Reader,

We are happy to bring to you Thinking-East's Issue 3.5, our special edition delving into the nature of the many transformations currently underway in the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus. Our authors share their unique perceptions of the regions' complex transitions and problems, and propose a wealth of well-reasoned solutions intended to further change and development.

Each account is a rational reflection upon "on-the-ground" realities, and is complemented by useful recommendations for future reference and action. In the atmosphere of profound instability that marks these regions' landscapes, intelligent policy responses are urgently needed to address the pressing social, economic and political issues. As Thinking-East's contributors embark upon a difficult intellectual enterprise of identifying major problems and drawing specific conclusions, the reader shall find more and more compelling reasons for us to reconsider our understanding of what development and good governance actually means.

1.) A glimpse of life in the Caucasus

The Impact of Foreign Education on Individuals' Professional Development and Career Advancement in the Home Country
Based on a survey, Marianna Idrisova Gurtovnik and Katy Pearce provide a well-rounded assessment of the impact of the US government sponsored exchange programs on the professional development and career growth of Azerbaijani alumni.

The new Georgia: looking to the future, being pursued by the past
As Austin Kilroy travels through the South Caucasus he finds people enlightened by the spirit of change and modernisation yet holding stubbornly onto a mentality that dates back to Stalin's era. The travelogue skilfully portrays the atmosphere of uncertainty in "post-revolutionary" Georgia and describes the futile attempts of the country's leadership at a fast and smooth westernisation without much effort on its part.

2.) Signs of Identity Crisis: Quest for novel solutions in Central Asia

The return of the Big Brother puts an end to pseudo-democracy in Uzbekistan
Olesya Ryzhova questions the efficacy of the Western approach in imposing democracy on the Uzbek regime and points to the failure of the American foreign policy even as the US government lavishes millions of dollars on its democratization programs in Central Asia.
 
Seeing demons where there are none
Bruno De Cordier's analysis aims to shatter the common misconceptions held by the majority of Western experts as to the violent nature of Islam in Central Asia. It illuminates the culture of peace and tolerance found within the traditional Muslim cultures of Central Asian societies and suggests a way to recovery through renewed spirituality that could potentially be used for the benefit of all. 

3.) Special Interest in focus

Women's Participation: analysis of the 2005 parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan
Anjelika Mamytova's report offers an unusually detailed look into the unsatisfactory election standards and unhealthy conditions that have interfered with the women's ability to participate equally in the latest parliamentary election campaign in Kyrgyzstan.
 
Agriculture in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan: towards a different social order?
Florence Hodous paints a dismal picture of the state of agriculture in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan where thousands of farmers and peasants continue to lack necessary technology and financial resources and suffer from poor policy-making and destructive government interference.

Plus: Godliness and Goodness in a globalised world

Daniel Rathwell questions the mixing of religious belief, political resistance and commercialism and Christopher Wake argues for a positive Christian role in international crises.

Yours sincerely,

Olesya Ryzhova
Thinking-East Uzbekistan Editor