A Soviet Socialist Republic during the Cold War that was liberated in 2006, 15 years after the Soviet Union's collapse, the former Adjikistani Socialist republic has finally gained independence. The charismatic Ismail Karim is appointed Adjikistan's first president. He promises an economy more competitive than that of other "hot" Asian nations such as China or Cambodia. This makes Adjikistan a key American interest. However, not all is going smoothly; a large rebel movement threatens to destabilize the government.