Friday, 6 February 2009

Kyrgystan's Sharp Turn Toward Moscow

Kyrgyzstan's announcement that it plans to close the U.S. air base in Manas changes the security playing field in Central Asia. Those opposed to the U.S. presence in Central Asia will view the base closure as one more victory in the attempt to stop Washington's quest for world domination. Those critical of Moscow will view the decision as an attempt to undermine the worldwide spread of democracy and Washington's struggle against international terrorism. But the true reason has more to do with Kyrgyzstan's internal politics than any foreign policy considerations. During his news conference in Moscow on Wednesday, Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev expressed dissatisfaction with the rental terms for the air base. He also spoke about the misconduct of a U.S. serviceman, which was a source of tension with the local population.

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