In the war against terrorism, the United States will become involved in economic development in Central Asia and in building closer economic ties with Russia

In the war against terrorism, the United States will become involved in economic development in Central Asia and in building closer economic ties with Russia, marking a new chapter for the world economy. Russia's quick support for U.S. policies and military needs in the wake of Sept. 11 has "defined" a new relationship between the two nations, Condoleezza Rice, national security advisor to President Bush, told a Washington meeting of the U.S.-Russia Business Council last week. The ready offers of cooperation and use of military bases by Uzbekistan and similar support from other Central Asian republics, notably Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, will result in a long-term program of U.S.-aided economic development. Such a program began last week with a proposal by Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.), head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, for a "fund for the reconstruction and recovery of Central and Southwest Asia," to which the U.S. would make a $1-billion contribution immediately. Afghanistan will share in development once the campaign against that country's Taliban rulers is over--as indicated by Bush's promise last week of $320 million in aid for Afghan refugees. The focus on Central Asia, an area of historic importance for both Russia and China and of great concern to both, marks a new and uncertain venture for U.S. economic policy and U.S. business.