Alaolmolki has written a great introduction to a part of the world whose strategic importance is becoming clearer as time goes on. The book covers all of the former Soviet "-Stans," like Kazakh, Uzbek,Kyrgyz, etc. and provides brief introductory histories on them and their populations. It also covers contenders for regional supremacy which includes the traditional Russia, Iran and Turkey and newer regional players like China and the US. Interestingly, one learns that the goal of US Middle Eastern policy seems more intent on keeping Iran weak and unstable more than anything else. "Life After the Soviet Union" serves as a good, short-and-sweet introduction to a fascinating (to me, anyway) part of our planet. I read it for personal pleasure and to expand my own knowledge of the area, and though it is a poli-sci text it is very readable. Very much recommended.