Some sources suggest the Islamic militant group currently dominating world headlines is also Central Asia’s greatest extremist challenge. There has not yet been any indication Islamic State (IS) is in a position to threaten Central Asia, but militant groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan have expressed support for IS -- and these latter groups are on Central Asia’s doorstep.
What kind of a threat does IS represent to Central Asia and what conditions could allow the group to become a genuine menace to the region?
On October 16, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service, Radio Azatlyk convened a roundtable of experts to discuss the IS threat. Participants in the discussion included:
- Casey Michel (Journalist, currently at the Harriman Institute)
- Bruce Pannier (RFE/RL)
- Alisher Sidikov (RFE/RL Uzbek Service)
- Abubakar Siddique (RFE/RL)
The roundtable was moderated by Turkmen Service Director Muhammad Tahir.
Read Bruce Pannier's overview of the conversation
Listen to the discussion:
