nue to be the
relationship between Taiwan and China - specifically the question of
eventual unification - as well as domestic political and economic
reform.

Tajikistan
The Tajik people came under Russian rule in the 1860s and
1870s, but Russia's hold on Central Asia weakened following the
Revolution of 1917. Bolshevik control of the area was fiercely
contested and not fully reestablished until 1925. Tajikistan became
independent in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union and
has now completed its transition from the civil war that plagued the
country from 1992 to 1997. There have been no major security
incidents in recent years, although the country remains the poorest
in the region. Attention by the international community in the wake
of the war in Afghanistan has brought increased economic development
assistance, which could create jobs and increase stability in the
long term. Tajikistan is in the early stages of seeking World Trade
Organization membership and has joined NATO's Partnership for Peace.

Tanzania
Shortly after independence, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged
to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule came to an
end in 1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country
since the 1970s. Zanzibar's semi-autonomous status and popular
opposition have led to two contentious elections since 1995, which
the ruling party won despite international observers' claims of
voting irregularities.

Thailand
A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th
century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast
Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A
bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In
alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally
following the conflict. Thailand is currently facing armed violence
in its three Muslim-majority southernmost provinces.

Togo
French Togoland became Togo in 1960. Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA,
installed as military ruler in 1967, continued to rule well into the
21st century. Despite the facade of multiparty elections instituted
in the early 1990s, the government continued to be dominated by
President EYADEMA, whose Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party
maintained power almost continually since 1967. Togo has come under
fire from international organizations for human rights abuses and is
plagued