In connection to Monday's discussion of the power dynamics between Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and newly-elected President, Dmitry Medvedev, I want to now examine Medvedev's liberal credentials. This of course will be discussed in the context that as President, Medvedev will most likely be playing a deferential role to Putin's Prime Minister Office, but […]
For the first time in seven years, Ankara will host a Turkmen head of state, as President Berdymukhamedov visits the nation this March 24, 25. This diplomatic meeting quickly follows Turkey's President Gul's own visit to Ashgabat last December, as Turkey seems to be making an assertive effort to improve its relations with many Central […]
On March 2, 2008 Dmitry Medvedev won Russia's presidential election with just over 70% of the vote. He is scheduled to take over the Presidency on May 7, with Russia's current President, Vladimir Putin, taking over as Prime Minister. This new alignment for Russia's government raises many important questions for Central Asia and for the […]
An analysis of Russia's policies toward Central Asia by upcoming President Medvedev will be postponed for a couple days. Instead, I would like to discuss two interrelated stories occurring in China, but having ramifications in Central Asia and beyond: 1. China's Xinjiang terrorist threat, specifically the March 7 plane incident 2. Chinese government suppression of […]
It appears that a deal is in the works between NATO and the Russian government for greater cooperation in Afghanistan. The deal would allow NATO troops the use of Russian land and airspace, the possible leasing of Russian planes and trains, and Russian training for Afghan helicopter pilots and counter-narcotics assistance at a center in […]
In the final segment of Freedom in the World Rankings; Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan received the highest scores (which means they are the least free) of all the Central Asian states. Turkmenistan Political Rights , 7/7 Civil Rights , 7/7 Status , Not Free Freedom House's report mainly concentrates on former President Niyazov's "iron control' over […]
Continuing a 3-Part series on Freedom House's Freedom of the World ratings for all five Central Asian states; Today are Kazakhstan and Tajikistan Here is a link to how Freedom House scores each nation. Kazakhstan Political Rights , 6/7 Civil Rights , 5/7 Status , Not Free Freedom House's analysis of political and civil rights […]
Freedom House (FH) recently came out with their 2007 Freedom in the World Rankings and I will individually go through their analysis of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, with Kyrgyzstan the focus today. Freedom House does a difficult and controversial job very well, and their work provides a great amount of insight into individual […]
Joshua Kucera, in a diary published in Slate, describes a Xinjiang Province undergoing a great transition. He explored Kashgar, Korla, Urumqi, and Kanas Lake and in all these places he paints a vivid picture of an Uighur people and culture's regional dominance being challenged by an influx of Han Chinese people, money, and government power. […]
The New York Times and the Washington Post have reported that a plane flying from China's Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region to Beijing was forced to make an emergency landing last Friday because of a terrorist threat. Apparently, an Uighur woman had smuggled three bottles of gasoline on the plane, but was caught by policemen when […]
In yet another US diplomatic attempt, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice asked NATO members for greater participation in all aspects of the war in Afghanistan. This call comes in the background of Canadian President Stephen Harper's claim that he will withdraw his nation's troops, which operate in the southern and most dangerous part of the […]
Concerning yesterday's piece about a US rapprochement with Uzbekistan, Eurasianet.org has broken a story that NATO troops, including Americans, will in the very near future be able to access a military airbase at Termez, on the Uzbek-Afghan border. The article quotes NATO special envoy Robert Simmons; "We welcome the fact Uzbekistan has shown readiness to […]
In early February, New York Times reporter C.J. Chivers discussed commander of the United States Central Command Adm. William J. Fallon's recent visit to Tashkent and meeting with President Karimov. Fallon stated that he had no "grand plan' for Uzbekistan (i.e. a rapprochement in relations and a request of military assistance), but that his visit […]
Welcome Everyone, I am Patrick Frost and I will now be the lead writer for FPA's Central Asian Blog. I look forward to your participation and comments. I especially want to encourage all of our readers to submit topic and debate recommendations. You can reach me anytime by email, [email protected], and by posting comments on […]
The election of Dmitry Medvedev as the new president of Russia on March 2nd has been met with mixed reviews from leaders around the world. While many congratulated Medvedev on his victory and voiced hopes for a positive international working relationship with him, these salutations were matched by concerns over how the Russian elections were […]