This report is part of an ongoing examination of U.S. engagement in Afghanistan and the broader region. It takes a close look at the link between developing a comprehensive Central Asia strategy and U.S. initiatives to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region. It is based on a field visit by the committee's majority staff to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan in October 2011, as well as extensive staff meetings with experts and policymakers in Washington, D.C. Central Asia is critical to the outcome in Afghanistan. The Northern Distribution Network and Manas Transit Center play vital roles in supporting NATO and U.S.-led coalition operations. Going forward, the challenge for the United States is to strike a balance between its short-term, war-fighting needs and long-term interests in promoting a stable, prosperous, and democratic Central Asia. Given the U.S. strategic interests at stake, this report provides constructive and timely recommendations for the Obama administration as it works to use our resources to achieve core U.S. policy objectives.