Russia Concerned about Afghanistan's Future

Russia has a high stake in how the Afghanistan war turns out. There is a large Muslim population in the Central Asian nations (the 'stans) and within Russia's own borders. If Afghanistan falls to the Taliban after the 2014 withdrawal of ISAF then this Muslim population in Russia and adjacent Central Asian countries could possibly come under the influence of Taliban-supported radical groups.

In many ways, although Russia has been at odds with the United States on a number of issues, Russia has supported the United States occupation of Afghanistan. This includes use of its ports for shipping equipment and supplies, assisting the U.S. in basing rights in Central Asian states like Uzbekistan, and allowing the transit of cargo overland through the Volga region. This relieves the pressure of having to deal exclusively with Pakistan for the movement of supplies and equipment in and out of Afghanistan.

Read more about Russia's concern on the outcome of the Afghan conflict in "The Russian Stake in Afghanistan - Analysis", Eurasia Review, March 9, 2013.