Caucasus conflicts to linger in near future - US intelligence
Resolution of "frozen" conflicts in the Caucasus is impossible in
the foreseeable future, US intelligence says.
In its Annual Threat Assessment of the Intelligence Community report, which has been divulged in full for the first time, the American secret service enumerates problems facing the United States, international news agency Washington ProFile reported. It cited international terrorism, with a thorough analysis of Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah`s activity. Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is a concern as well, and the U.S. believes Iran and North Korea are posing a threat. Washington presumes that Iran will be able to build nuclear weapons as early as in late 2009 although it says this is "unlikely".
The report also referred to challenging situations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, problems with political stability in Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia and in Africa, and soaring prices for energy resources and food worldwide.
The report has several references to Russia. The CIA is wary that Russia, China and OPEC countries are using their financial potential to pursue political goals that could pose a threat to US security. It says that Russia and China possess technical capacities to wage a cyber-war against infrastructure in the United States. It also says that the tandem of the former Russian President Vladimir Putin and his successor Dmitry Medvedev most likely will not change the system of state governance in Russia. CIA said the system is characterized by the weakness of state institutions, corruption and growing authoritarianism. The political factor will not harm the economy although economic growth in Russia will somewhat slow down. The demographic factor will be a serious problem for the country, affecting many sectors of its economy and the state of its armed forces.
The report also said Central Asia remains a "prolific ground" for radical Islamist ideas and movements and that political instability in Ukraine has taken hold.
US intelligence bodies annually submit reports on security threats to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
In its Annual Threat Assessment of the Intelligence Community report, which has been divulged in full for the first time, the American secret service enumerates problems facing the United States, international news agency Washington ProFile reported. It cited international terrorism, with a thorough analysis of Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah`s activity. Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is a concern as well, and the U.S. believes Iran and North Korea are posing a threat. Washington presumes that Iran will be able to build nuclear weapons as early as in late 2009 although it says this is "unlikely".
The report also referred to challenging situations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, problems with political stability in Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia and in Africa, and soaring prices for energy resources and food worldwide.
The report has several references to Russia. The CIA is wary that Russia, China and OPEC countries are using their financial potential to pursue political goals that could pose a threat to US security. It says that Russia and China possess technical capacities to wage a cyber-war against infrastructure in the United States. It also says that the tandem of the former Russian President Vladimir Putin and his successor Dmitry Medvedev most likely will not change the system of state governance in Russia. CIA said the system is characterized by the weakness of state institutions, corruption and growing authoritarianism. The political factor will not harm the economy although economic growth in Russia will somewhat slow down. The demographic factor will be a serious problem for the country, affecting many sectors of its economy and the state of its armed forces.
The report also said Central Asia remains a "prolific ground" for radical Islamist ideas and movements and that political instability in Ukraine has taken hold.
US intelligence bodies annually submit reports on security threats to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
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