Inner Asia

Uzbekistan boots US military

The regime of Islam Karimov in Uzbekistan, heretofore attempting to play both sides in the Great Game between Moscow and Washington, appears to have finally and decisively thrown in its lot with the former. From Pakistan’s Daily Times, via AFP… Read moreUzbekistan boots US military

Inner Asia

Rummy does Kyrgyzstan

The Great Game for control of Central Asia goes on. A few weeks ago, Russia and China, via the regional Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), led a call for the US to set a deadline for its withdrawal from Uzbekistan and… Read moreRummy does Kyrgyzstan

Inner Asia

Uzbekistan tilts to Moscow

Russia has increased its support for the embattled government of Uzbekistan, announcing that it will soon conduct joint military exercises with the regime of President Islam Karimov. The announcement by Sergei Ivanov, Russia’s defense minister, was broadcast in Moscow after… Read moreUzbekistan tilts to Moscow

Inner Asia

More unrest in Kyrgyzstan

More than 1,000 Kyrgyz troops fired tear gas June 17 to drive protesters from a key state building, foiling what the government said was an attempt by supporters of the ousted president to regain power. Acting President Kurmanbek Bakiyev blamed… Read moreMore unrest in Kyrgyzstan

Inner Asia

Terror in Tajikistan

There was a powerful explosion outside the emergencies ministry in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, June 13. Vehicles were damaged in the blast, and the ministry’s windows blown out, but no casualties were reported. “I do not exclude that this was… Read moreTerror in Tajikistan

Inner Asia

Uzbekistan-China alignment

A week after calm started to return to Uzbekistan (see out last blog post), signs of simmering unrest continue, and the geopolitics of the conflict are starting to become clearer… Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Newsline (RFE/RL) reported May 23 that… Read moreUzbekistan-China alignment