Central Asia has emerged on the global stage after spending decades in isolation. As part of the Soviet Union, it was largely secluded from the region and the greater Muslim world. After a period of adjustment, the countries have more or less crystallized into what they are ultimately going to be. What is in the region's favor are the large untapped natural resources. Things would seem to be in the region¿s favor. There are, however, a few events that could derail the region but only three are examind at length.