Dear Readers:

Welcome to the Caspian Crossroads magazine! The Caspian Sea was formerly the Soviet Union's prized treasure and has now become an area of great value to the region thanks to its oil-rich reserves estimated at two trillion dollars. Indisputably, the question of how to utilize this oil wealth will define and structure future policies of oil-producing countries and the world at large. In this respect, we will be the first journal to inform you as events unfold and Caspian Crossroads magazine examines political and economic implications of the latest developments in the region.

As for the magazine's scope and content, we will include issues on politics, geo-politics, business, economics, law, history and culture. Our goal is to present a comprehensive review of the region's nations with their different priorities and potentials. We are fortunate to have a distinguished group of participants, all of whom are experts in their respective fields, contribute their works and articles to our magazine. To them, I would
like to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation for their support.

In the first issue, we are focusing on the pipeline route alternatives for exporting Caspian petrol to world markets and the role of regional powers, i.e. Turkey, Iran, Russian in finalizing a definitive pipeline route. In subsequent editions, the magazine focuses on other contemporary themes and present a variety of perspectives with respect to those relevant issues. The Council is committed to present information within a framework of objectivity; therefore, we pledge allegiance to accuracy, credibility and impartiality. Once reviewed, I am confident that this publication will gain your respect and interest in addition to being an informative piece of work.

Jayhun Molla-zade, Ph.D.,

Editor-in-Chief,
Caspian Crossroads Magazine
e-mail: 75403.2004@compuserve.com