The Central Asian nations, both at the national and street level, are backing the US efforts in Afghanistan. Tajikistan is benefiting from the influx of some 2,000 journalists and other foreigners. Most of these need drivers, translators and a place to stay. Much material for the war (food and clothing) is being purchased locally and moved by local truckers. More foreign aid has been promised. All of these nations are, to one degree or another, dictatorships. This makes for another chore, to use the American presence as an opportunity to give democracy an opportunity to get a foothold in this part of the world.