Yet this part of Central Asia now offers a lesson in how conflict can give way to stability, even in historically tense regions. However, the improved climate reflects deliberate political and social choices, demonstrating that cooperation can be strengthened from the ground up. Home to about 15 million people, the Fergana Valley is one of the most densely populated parts of Central Asia. These factors make the Fergana Valley story a fragile achievement, not a settled one. The Fergana Valley suggests that peace and partnership can reinforce each other, but only if the effort is continuous.

Source: Taipei Times January 18, 2026 17:55 UTC