Its democracy and free market economy offer Muslim republics an attractive alternative model for development to that of theocratic Iran.

Saudi Arabia, our friend and ally, has always been the one huge thorn in the side of the Muslim republics.

The Muslim republics of Central Asia want autonomy and equality, but within an overall union.

Later he was named to the Politburo in Moscow, the first leader from a Muslim republic to reach such heights.

The agreement states that if this happens, the remaining Muslim republic would retain the union's seat at the United Nations.

Another tie is their religion, which they practiced secretly in a Communist nation's predominantly Muslim republics.

Newspaper articles have also cited growing discontent in Muslim republics.

That goal has little popular support in the region's other predominantly Muslim republics, but discontent is spreading as the government cracks down.

The new Muslim republic would also have access to Ploce, a port in Croatia.

Although actively encouraging atheism, Soviet authorities permitted limited religious activity in all the Muslim republics.