4. Central Asia

6. Freedom Ruled by the Soviet Union until 1991
Transcaucasian Republics-Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia
Central Asia Republics- Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
Afghanistan
Today, these are some of the poorest countries

7. The Struggle
After gaining freedom, why do you think these countries may have suffered?
Relied on Soviet for everything
Most only used one crop
Ethnic and religious hostilities

8. Afghanistan Exploited by Britain and Russia
Became independent during Cold War
Received money from U.S. and Soviets
Soviets took control; mujahideen fought against them
10 years of stalemate and Soviets pull out

9. Power Vacuum Soviets leave and someone has to come into power
Taliban-conservative Islamic group, ruled with brutality
Sheltered Osama Bin Laden
Fighting between powers continues