So what about Uzbekistan?

[spindoctor]

Uzbekistan is our trusted ally in the war on terror, or in our war to pump oil and natural gas through Afghanistan, which ever you prefer. This charming little former Soviet state is not exactly a democracy. The Uzbek government has a bad habit of killing its own people, but other than that, they are OK in our book.

As a matter of fact, the Uzbeki military-slash-police is reallyreallyreally good in torturing people. They are to Lindy England what Shaq is to ...well...me.
Since we ran into all that nasty little publicity over in Abu Grahib, we now leave torturing to the pros, the Uzbekistanis, and since they are conveniently located just across the Afghan border, torturing our suspects is now Uzbekistans greatest source of hard currency.

But there is trouble in paradies. Those darn radical muslims have taken over the city of Andijan after freeing 23 of their brethren on death row. Reportedly thousands angry Uzbeks (all radical muslims of course) hit the streets, took over the jail and other government buildings.
The army came and most unfortunately shot a thousand or so civilians, causing thousands more to hit for the Kyrgyzstan border.

Chaos, chaos, chaos. Oh, and did I mention that the US has a military presence in Uzbekistan?

Eyes east, people. Our friendly people-boiling ally in the war on terror is in trouble and if we're not careful, we'll get caught in the crossfire.

http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=526722005

[Gloria]

1. Yes...and now there's trouble in Yemen.....one of our staunchest

allies in the "War on terror". Some rioting over the Koran desecration.

Afghanistan. Uzbekistan. Lebanon and Israel having border dustups.

Yup, chaos bubbling up all over....

[lala_rawraw]

2. Those poor people...

First the Soviets and now the Amerikans. Tashkent is where my grandfather is buried. The people of that country have an amazing culture, if only they could be left alone, much like other people in other countries.

[spindoctor]

3. We are not (yet) involved in Uzbekistan

For now the trouble is a strict civil case. Russia has done nothing but express its concern about the rising Muslim fundamentalism.
The rising anti-humanitarianism of the Uzbek government seems to be of less concern.

Likewise, the US has wisely refrained from comments so far. I guess the Administration would prefer that America remains ignorant on the subject. After all, how do we explain our efforts in Iraq when everything we accused Hussein off is being practiced by the government in Uzbekistan that we support financially and with "advisers"?