Uzbekistan has makings for 'perfect storm' of upheaval

[bemildred]

TASHKENT - Rural poverty, fiercely competing ideologies and iron-fisted government come together today in Uzbekistan, as they have for centuries, in a unique mix of elements for a perfect storm of upheaval like that which rocked the eastern city of Andijan on Friday.

But while some ascribe the tension in the Central Asian ex-Soviet republic to an underlying battle between a secular government in the capital and a rising tide of Islamic fundamentalism in the regions, many see the root cause as basic economics.

Whichever the case, the threat to stability in Uzbekistan and the surrounding strategic region is highlighted by the continuing rule over the country of President Islam Karimov, a Soviet-era holdover who brooks no opposition and who is supported by both Russia and the West alike.

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Its geographic location and wealth of vital resources, notably natural gas, make Uzbekistan a coveted prize in the continuing jockeying for influence in the region between Russia and the United States as well as China, Iran, India, Pakistan and others.

Turkish Press

[kliljedahl]

1. & we're already there, coincidence?

Keith’s Barbeque Central

[bennywhale]

2. Underlying causes of nearly all revolutions =

unfairness, no freedom, brutality, oppression

simple as that. However Bush and the dictator of Uzbeckistan want to dress it up and tarnish it with the words 'islamic extremism'. Its a popular uprising

[dArKeR]

3. China gives energy deal to Karimov

Uzbek President Islam Karimov secured pledges on an energy deal and continued cooperation in the fight against Muslim separatists during a second day of talks with China's top leaders yesterday, as Beijing snubbed calls for more pressure on the hardline leader to accept an international probe into a bloody military crackdown.

Just two weeks after the May 13 massacre in which hundreds died, Beijing welcomed Karimov as an "old friend," rolling out the red carpet and granting a long meeting and dinner with Chinese President Hu Jintao (???).

Such treatment would be taboo for democracies, but China has long received and continues to want Karimov's assistance in suppressing separatists in its tense northwestern Xinjiang region near Uzbekistan, analysts say.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2005/05/27/2003256788

[bemildred]

4. This is one of the problems with bringing democracy to the Uzbeks:

Such treatment would be taboo for democracies, but China has long received and continues to want Karimov's assistance in suppressing separatists in its tense northwestern Xinjiang region near Uzbekistan, analysts say.

China won't let Karimov be removed without a fight.

[dArKeR]

5. Beijing fetes Islam Karimov, lauds his bloody crackdown

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/05/26/2003256619