Bruce Pannier writes about current tensions over Manas Air Force Base near Bishkek for RFE/RL.
With the Kharsi-Khanabad AFB closed in Uzbekistan, Manas is more important than before. One thing I did not realize right away: the USAF shares this airport with Kyrgyzstan's private use, which has to add to the tension there. In September 2006, there was a runway collision between a private plane with 52 passengers and a US fuel plane, which resulted in a fire and no casualties.
Photo: Air Force Link