Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the people of Central Asia have experienced wars fought on ethnic, cultural and political grounds.  Despite these historical difficulties, Central Asian countries are at the threshhold of development as they attract foreign investments.  Today, the need to secure energy resources is a priority for world leaders; they turn to Central Asia for their pursuit.  Although virtually unknown to the rest of the world, Central Asia is famous for its rich resources.  Steve Levine spent 11 years, starting two weeks after the Soviet collapse, in Central Asia.  Levine saw the need for a book to define the whole region as a piece, not country by country.  It was oil that tied the region together and told the history of events that explain the current state.  To what extent will the politics of pipelines rule Central Asia?  What impact will Russia have on Central Asia and can Russia be trusted?