Uzbekistan Builds Where the West Withdrew

James D. Durso, the Managing Director of Corsair LLC, a supply chain consultancy, discusses Uzbekistan’s approach to engaging with Taliban-led Afghanistan to enhance trade, manage water resources, and ease regional tensions under the theme “Stability Through Connectivity.” Uzbekistan aims to bridge Central and South Asia through key infrastructure initiatives like the Trans-Afghan railway, Surkhan–Pol-e-Khumri power line, and Termez Free Economic Zone. By pursuing partnerships with the EU, China, and regional neighbors, Tashkent seeks to position itself as a link between East and West. The interest in connectivity with Afghanistan is fueled by economic prospects, energy collaboration, security requirements, and geopolitical strategy, with the goal of accessing new markets and stabilizing the region. Ambassador Javlon Vakhabov from the International Institute for Central Asia underscores Uzbekistan’s pragmatic stance of favoring engagement over isolation towards Afghanistan, emphasizing a balance between humanitarian aid and regional security. The region’s leaders acknowledge the need for policies that recognize their geographical proximity to Afghanistan and the necessity of coexisting as long-term neighbors. Uzbekistan’s involvement with the Taliban dates back to before NATO’s departure from Afghanistan in 2021, with initiatives like the Tashkent Conference in 2018 advocating for peace talks between conflicting parties. The article highlights Uzbekistan’s efforts to address water scarcity concerns, including collaborating with Afghanistan on water resource sharing in the Amu Darya River Basin to mitigate environmental challenges. Uzbekistan’s engagement with Afghanistan also involves economic opportunities, such as promoting the textile sector and exploring trade routes to South Asia through partnerships with neighboring countries. In light of these developments, Uzbekistan’s role in the region’s stability and economic development is crucial, requiring diplomatic efforts and cooperation with international partners to leverage Afghanistan’s potential as a regional bridge.