Embassy Ashgabat has developed a positive relationship with the chief of state, overcoming his neutrality policies and obtaining important benefits for the war against terrorism. The most important gain from this engagement is a U.S. Air Force humanitarian refueling operation. Support for this effort should be made the mission?s prime goal.
Policy implementation is good. It includes assistance offers to the host government, but more promising are those public diplomacy and assistance efforts that reach out to the country?s next generation of leaders. Embassy Ashgabat has experienced leadership and concentrates on the issues that matter most. Cooperation among the five agencies present is good.
Turkmenistan is not receptive to security and law enforcement assistance programs. Although $10.6 million is available for such activities in FY 2002, only a fraction of this has been obligated, and still less has been actually delivered. Offers of official aid are greeted with indifference and hesitation. Despite the obstacles, the embassy continues to promote nonproliferation, defense, and counternarcotics objectives.
In spite of this year?s unexpected challenges?authorized departure, evacuation of Peace Corps volunteers, establishment of a U.S. military presence, a heavy visitor workload, and the accompanying stress?Embassy Ashgabat has managed modernized key operations and made improvements in local staff programs.
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