Jun 5, 2008

Bakiyev can't get rid of [US] roommate...


Relations between the US and Kyrgyzstan have been on ice ever since an American serviceman shot Alexander Ivanov -- Kyrgyzstan’s champion knife thrower -- in 2006.

Before you ask, Ivanov did bring a knife to a gun fight -- with predictable results.

Jamestown now reports that, aside from regularly scheduled outbursts of public anti-Americanism, members of Kyrgyzstan’s own intelligence service are convince that the “U.S. might be sponsoring terrorism,” or worse, “[seeks] to establish political control over Central Asia.” Poor intelligence resources and limited exposure to non-Russian news are driving these perceptions, according to Jamestown.

Despite the quiet opinions of his intelligence services, President Bakiyev's key dilemma remains the slowing economy and surging inflation, now up to 25% year-on-year. Meanwhile, Kyrgyz citizens must grapple with sky-rocketing prices for gas & food, as the government imposes new measures to ration electricity.

Ay, there's the rub.

Kyrgyzstan may have grown tired of American troops at the Manas Airport, but the government relies upon rent from the US to pay the bills. So for now, the uncomfortable roommate situation remains.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Could you please explain why you beleive that the truck driver was also a champion knife thrower? Where is this information from and how can I verify it? Thanks.

Unknown said...

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