Central Asia

Weeks back we discussed the media rollback within the Central Asia states, emphasized in a report by Freedom House, and last week I quickly mentioned a World’s Association of Newspapers report that also painted a bleak picture of media rights in CA. Today I have two stories that further showcase the region’s not only lack of media freedom, but also an outright battle against it by the region’s state governments. I also have another story that though has a positive slant, still portrays the region’s free press weaknesses.

Radio Free Europe reports on the story of Avas Saipov and his search for the murderers of his son, Journalist Alisher Saipov, who was murdered last October leaving his Kyrgyzstan office. Avas blames the Karimov government and Kyrg government for the attack and demands justice. He claims the murder was politically motivated because of Alisher’s journalistic work on corruption between the Kyrg and Uzbek governments and the upcoming December of 2007 presidential election for Karimov. Alisher also reported on human rights violations against Muslims in Ferghana Valley, interviewed members of banned religious groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, looked into the 2005 Andijon incident in Uzbekistan and even visited a refugee camp holding some of its victims. These are all issues and stories that the Karimov and other CA state governments want kept either in the shadows or at least under their control so it is no wonder Alisher came under some heat. Avas, the journalist’s father, stated ‘Why were they interested in this {his work}? Because they did not like the truth.’ Sometimes it’s that simple. At the end of the article, there are three short listings of Kyrg and Uzbek government transgressions curbing media rights and targeting Radio Free Europe journalists.

Internet Freedom

The independent websites of Fergana.ru, uznews.net, and ‘Uzbekistan’s Civil Society’ have all placed a special emblem (above left) on their homepages which says ‘This Site Is Blocked in Uzbekistan.’ They are calling on other Uzbek government banned websites to join their anti-censorship campaign ‘to demonstrate how many news websites are inaccessible in the country.’ Radio Free Europe reports that ever since the 2005 Andijon incidents, the Uzbek government has held a tight lid on all Uzbek Internet service, including blocking websites of all opposition groups and indepenent media outlets. Reporters Without Borders puts Uzbek and Turkmenistan on their short list of world’s greatest ‘Internet Enemies’ for good reason. What these websites are doing will not bring down any autocratic government or release press freedom in these countries by itself, but they valuable stances of freedom and showcases of tyranny that will be crucial in the long run in spreading freedom and openness in Central Asia and in the world. When you see tyranny, do not let it go unnoticed.

Speaking of Turkmenistan, the Associated Press reports that its government has begun to allow private citizens to connect to the Internet, connecting about 20 homes a day, mainly in the capital Ashgabat. Before only government, diplomatic officials and major international companies could use the Internet. Before we start celebrating, it is still unclear just how many Turks can afford to pay for the service and if the government will really offer it the general population. It is also dubious to think that many websites will not be banned. But all in all, this has to be considered a welcome move from a government that just years before had a media that was strictly concentrated on and by one person, former President Niyazov.

(Photo: Radio Free Europe)

Here are some short snipets with some reading material to get you through the weekend without fresh, red-hot Central Asian news!

Continuing our discussion about CA’s blood transfusion and HIV/AIDS problem on June 19, here is a more personal and touching story of the consequences of the region’s poorly managed and constructed health care system. This should not happen, period.

And for those of you still thirsting for some knowledge about the region’s water woes here is a short, but rather thorough explanation of the region’s difficulties when it comes to this vital resource.

On June 9, the Head of the Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia, Miroslav Jenca, assumed office and hosted a meeting in Ashgabat on June 23. The Center is meant to provide assistance to the governments of CA in building up their capacity to resolve disputes peacefully. Sounds like a worthy mission, good luck.

Here are two reviews of Sergei Bodrov’s new motion picture ‘Mongol’, the story of Ghenghis Khan; one positive, one negative. Both reviewers thought the film was visually pleasing, but only one thought the narrative worth listening to. It stated that ‘Mongol’ provides an ‘authentic-looking glimpse at the culture and customs, hardships and tribal rivalries of life in Central Asia 1,000 years ago. If I see the movie, I hope to, I will give you my expert film critique (warning I love ‘Spaceballs)

Lastly, I know you’ve been clamoring for more horse-riding for peace stories so here you go. Majid Charhesht, an Iranian sports fanatic, is crossing Central Asia on horseback all the way to Beijing for the Olympics. In 2004, he made his way to the Athens Olympics by way of roller skates! At least he’s doing it for a worthy cause, world peace.

Have a great weekend!

World Bank President and former US diplomat Robert B. Zoellick met with President Nazarbayev and the Kazak government this week to discuss several joint World Bank/Kazak projects. The two sides announced plans to jointly finance a $2.5 billion road project to help upgrade the trade routes between Asia, especially China, Russia, and all the way into Europe. This road project is part of a $7.5 billion deal to improve the 2,800 km road corridor from Kazakhstan’s border with China (Khorgos) to the border with Russia (Syrm). This project is set to start in 2009. Bob Zoellick had this to say:

“Following part of the ancient Silk Road that linked East and West, this project will establish a modern transport corridor through Kazakhstan. It will boost Kazakhstani trade, competitiveness, logistics, and infrastructure connections wit the world, while providing an artery for regional cooperation.”

There is great hope that this transportation project will find ways to incorporate all the nations of Central Asia, especially the impoverished states of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. In other words, the roads would have a trickle-down effect.

The road system in Central Asia has been an important aspect of the region’s infrastructure too long neglected and this brings attention to another key project that needs to garner not just attention, but action: the disappearing Aral Sea. The Aral Sea, once the 4th largest lake in the world, has shrunken by about 70 percent in the last 50 years largely due to mismanagement and overuse by the CA states, mainly Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The rapid shrinking of this vital geographic regional centerpiece has had a multitude of negative effects; damaging fish production, causing high salinity, pollution, lack of fresh drinking water, and desertification that has led to violent sand storms. The World Bank has a $86 million dollar restoration project set to begin at the end of this year and a follow-up project to improve environmental and economic conditions in the Sea’s area, but there is great doubt that the Aral Sea will never regain its former size.

UN ambassadors from all 5 CA states have requested help from the international community regarding this issue and plan to introduce a draft resolution on the Sea at the 63rd Session of the next UN General Assembly. Kori Udovicki, head of UNDP’s European branch, argued that the situation ‘is probably one of the most acute…environmental crises in the world.’

Also regarding water issues/problems in the CA, officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan met in Bishkek from June 10-11 to discuss water sharing issues in the region. Radio Free Europe called the conference not only a ‘failure’, but that it may have actually raised tensions between the nations regarding the free flow of water throughout the region. In short, Tajik and Kyrg, when most of the water in the region flows from, desire to treat water like any other commodity, such as Uzbek, Kazak, and Turkmen’s oil and gas reserves, and receive some compensation. A difficult issue to say the least.

(Photo: Wikipedia)

It is well-known that the Central Asian region is surrounded by Great and Medium Powers who desire influence in the area. Turkey may not be the largest, richest, or closest power to the region, but its historical and ethnic connections to CA and its people loom large. The Journal of Turkish Weekly has written an analysis of the nation’s policy toward CA.
They follow relations between the two groups from the CA states independence to today and what they call Turkey’s ‘New Policy.’ They accurately discuss Turkey’s ever changing foreign policy in the 1990s, sometimes insular and sometimes labeling itself a ‘bridge’ country. The report also comes to the conclusion, rightly so, that Turkey’s attempt at joining the EU, though frustrating, has helped it create a more nuanced and well-rounded policy toward its close neighbors and all other great powers in the region.

The Weekly describes Turkey’s ‘new policy’ toward the CA region as having 3 central features; 1. balancing its relations in the region with the other great powers, Russia, Iran, China, India, and Pakistan (in other words try not to step on anybody’s toes) 2. Work on policy’s that create stability and security in the region 3. Facilitate energy relations, especially regarding transportation routes. Turkey already plays a transit role in the BTC Caspian Sea pipeline and very much desires an increasing role in the Nabucco pipeline from Turkmenistan to Austria. The analysis also emphasizes Turkey’s effective use of non-governmental, business, and civil society groups to further its relations and influence in the region.

Turkey can be a productive and democratic model for the states. And its current success, though with some problems, of having a democratic, Islamic-led government may have an even more influential role for the CA people and states. Turkey has also proven itself to be a stable and non-interfering regional power and therefore has a lot to teach not only the CA states, but also its powerful, meddling Great Power neighbors. Turkey ’s role in moderating a water crisis seminar this May in Kyrgyzstan shows its value as a model of stability and capability for the region as a whole.

Tajikistan, already one of the world’s poorest nations, has suffered much this year with a harsh winter, continuing health concerns, and with rising food prices.  But the worse could be yet to come as its President Rahmon’s rule appears to be showing some cracks and news reports about the country have titles such as ‘Who’s in Charge’ and ‘Tajikistan is not in control.’  Not that President Rahmon has gone out of his way to help his people or been at least an ‘organized’ autocrat, but the violent battle for power or overthrow of his rule could send the nation into greater chaos.

Two reports exemplify Rahmon’s weakening power; the strange disappearance of Khasan Sadulloyev, one of the nation’s most powerful business men and the President’s brother-in-law, and the government led attack on the Langariyevs’ household, who had fought ’side by side’ with Rahmon against the Islamic opposition during Tajik’s civil war in the 1990s. These instances seem to portray a government on its heels, trying to eliminate ‘enemies’ and possible power challengers.  Eurasianet.org calls the Sadulloyev incident a sign of presidential ‘dysfunction’ and a leader who does not have control over his own power circle.  The article references the fall of Kyrg’s President Askar Akayev in 2005 as a possible outcome for the Tajik leader.

In other, more positive Tajik news, Kazakhstan’s government has pledged to help build and finance Tajik’s much needed and sought after Rogun Dam project and Rahmon has stated that an ‘international consortium‘ would also help the impoverished nation get the dam operating within 4 1/2 years.  The dam would provide much needed electricity for the nation and the region as well.

Tajik’s Foreign Minister Khamrokhon Zarifi met with US Undersecretary of State for South and Central Asian George A. Krol on June 16 and discussed a ‘broad spectrum’ of issues concerning US-Tajik relations and agreed that the 4th meeting of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) would ‘become another major step towards development of regional trade and economic cooperation.’  TIFA is between the US-CA states and promotes the expansion of trade and investments in the region through the involvement of customs procedures in international standards.  US soft power one might say.

How bout some early Monday morning polygamy talk? Radio Free Europe reports that the Kazak parliament has been debating a new draft law that would allow any man who is able to meet his second and third wife’s financial needs and obtain their consent can have multiple marriages. The parliament has debated this issue before without passing and implementing a law and from the looks of it there is a fair amount of opposition to the legislation to keep it from passing, but the practice of polygamy does exist and their are some demographic and rational reasons for it be formalized in the law.

All of the Central Asian states have experienced polygamy throughout their history, as it allowed in the Islamic religion and culture, and after the fall of the Soviet Empire it reportedly enjoyed a resurgence. Kazakhstan decriminalized the practice in 1998, but all of the other CA states still treat it as a crime, though one rarely prosecuted. Women’s groups in Kazakhstan do not support ‘polygamy’ per se, but they do desire that these 2nd and 3rd wives have protection under the law, which they have none of as of right now. Polygamy does provide one answer the demographic challenges facing most of the CA nations as it allows financially stable men to take on more than one poor, destitute women and provide for them and their children. For instance, in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, where a large amount of the male population travels abroad for employment and has many men who may never come back, some people say that the ability for a man of wealth to take more than one wife ‘benefits’ wives and children. We’ll have to see how far the Kazak parliament goes in formalizing this type of marriage.

Here are some other pertinent religious and cultural pieces from Forum 18, a great watchdog publication for the region’s human and religious rights;

1. “Why can’t all religious communities have places of worship?” - examines Turkmenistan’s government’s refusal to let non-Islamic religions have a place to worship.

2. “Kazakhstan: Alarm at state-backed planned new Religion Law” - discusses a planned law restricting ‘freedom of thought’ and penalizing ‘unapproved’ religious activities.

3. “Kazakhstan: A law on Non-Freedom of Conscience” - discusses the same law as above, but in greater detail. And here’s the latest update on the law’s possible passing with some modifications.

(Photo: Radio Free Europe)

After a couple weeks of poor news regarding Afghani security, there was finally some positive developments as a force of Afghan troops supported by NATO armored vehicles and helicopters appeared to rout Taliban forces who recently took over the Arghandab region surrounding Kandahar. A NATO official called it a ‘fast and effective’ response. However, the exact extent of the mission and its accomplishments still appeared a little murky as there are claims that the Taliban presence was exaggerated and it was unknown how many of there forces escaped capture.

The New York Times editorial board took a glance at Afghanistan’s situation and did not like what they saw, calling for NATO allies to ‘beef up their forces,’ heavily criticizing Bush’s attention to the war (too harsh in my opinion), and demanding answers from the two presidential candidates as to how they would handle the situation. I, myself, have only heard Obama chastise Bush’s policy and McCain voice his overall support of the effort, nothing about what they would do differently to help this strategic, yet dangerous nation.

I will have no comments at the moment, but please take a look at some of these news conference statements from US Assistant Secretary of State for South and central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher and a USAID official:
1. “Briefing on the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan“

2. “Special Briefing on the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan“
3. “Pakistan/Afghanistan - US Relations“

Not to be outdone, the FPA held a great event last week titled “Afghanistan: Problems and Approaches” featuring former Deputy Assistant Secretary and Ambassador Ronald E. Neumann. A video of the event is embedded on our website, check it out!

Getting health care and health care policy right is a continual battle for developed countries, as one hears cases of doctor and medical mishaps all to frequently, but one thing we have come to count on, at least here in the US, is that the blood transfusions we receive are clean and safe. A new World Bank study titled ‘Blood Services n Central Asian Health Systems– A Clear and Present Danger of Spreading HIV/AIDS and Other Infectious Diseases‘ reports that this is not so in many CA states. For a little background on Central Asia’s HIV/AIDS problems here is a old write-up with some useful resources.

The World Bank study retested 7,500 blood donor samples from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and identified the prevalence of several infectious diseases; including .2% for HIV, 2.7% for Hepatitis B, 3% for Hepatitis C, and 3.6% for Syphilis. These results show that current donor screening methods in the region are not fully effective and need improvements quickly. In fact, the report found that some CA health facilities did not even test their blood donations at all!

Radio Free Europe reports that since 2006, hundreds of people, have been infected with HIV/AIDS by tainted blood in CA hospitals, including 149 children in Kazakhstan, 69 children in Kyrgyzstan, and several more in Tajikistan.

Patricio Marquez, the main author of the World Bank report, stated; “Numerous parts of these countries’ blood transfusion systems are in serious need of restructuring, of new investments and of increased budgetary support for operation and maintenance.” The reports official recommendations

A. Establishing nationally coordinated blood transfusion systems and universal unpaid blood donor systems

B. Optimizing laws, regulations, and donor promotion campaigns

C. Effective donor screening strategies, training of medical personnel, and the promotion of using blood and blood products

D. International support to assist the restructuring of these nations health care systems

Lastly, as we have discussed before, there are cultural constraints present in Central Asia (and in many other places in the world) that prevent an open discussion about HIV/AIDS and how to prevent it and the lack of effective blood donor campaigns is a sad result of these beliefs and fears. The people who are mistakenly infected with tainted blood are one thing and one thing only, unfortunate victims, and should be treated with the utmost respect and care.

On a separate note, I would like to acknowledge the passing of Chingiz Aitmatov, a widely popular writer and statesman, who was buried in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan a couple days ago. Kyrg President Bakiev eloquently eulogized ‘One more star in the sky has faded; the heart that was filled with joy and sorrow, pure feelings and reams o not only the Kyrgyz nation but also of all the peoples of the world, has been stilled, has stopped.’

(Photo: Children were infected at hospitals in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (Source: RFE/RL)

Afghanistan has found itself all over the news so much lately that you’d think it was running for President of the United States. On that regard, when was the last time John McCain went to Afghanistan to assess the situation, we know he’s been to Iraq on many occasions, and what about Barack Obama, has he even been to Afghanistan? Anyway, the Afghan nation is in the news and the news isn’t good.

There were more coalition combat deaths in Afghanistan in the last month than in Iraq, a hugely embarrassing/impressive Taliban orchestrated jailbreak occurred in Kandahar, the Taliban have taken over several villages in the key southern Argandand River area, Afghan and NATO troops are desperately trying to gain back control of the area, the Pakistani and US government are in a tiff regarding an American strike near the Afghan/Pakistani border, and finally the resurgence of an old friend and enemy Maulavi Jalaluddin Haqqani, a Taliban commander who has orchestrated many suicide attacks against NATO forces and who the New York Times calls ‘one of the biggest threats to NATO and US forces. The Haqqani case exemplifies many things that are going wrong in the world’s mission to stabilize Afghanistan-weak cooperation between Afghan/Pakistan/NATO forces, a lack of troops to cover the border, and the tremendous complications of ethnic and tribal loyalty embedded in the region.

Taliban Commander Maulavi Jalaluddin Haqqani
Regarding NATO forces, the group held a 2-day conference and Allies promised ‘modest’ improvements for their efforts in Afghanistan. Italy lifted previous combat restrictions and many nations in the alliance pooled resources to obtain three more C-17 heavy transport planes. NATO’s Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer called the recent moves and debates ‘encouraging but not entirely satisfactory’ and US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates more forcefully stated ‘I told them that my expectations are simple, I expect government decisions and actions to match government rhetoric.’ The lack of enough troops to police the Afghan/Pakistani border was a key topic of discussion.

Lastly, the International Donor’s Conference for Afghanistan was held last week and here’s Condoleezza Rice’s remarks. She discusses the tremendous amount of democratic and civil societal progress that has occurred in the nation since 2001, but acknowledges the nation’s still ‘fragile’ being. Here is the State Department’s breakdown of US aid to Afghanistan from 2001-2008, the US aid appears to have increased every year.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Here is Rice’s final line; “The United States of America will be committed to Afghanistan for as long as it takes and well beyond for the development of a prosperous, democratic, and free Afghanistan.”

(Photos: New York Times)

Still staying on the issue of Russia, Mark Dillen, head of an international public affairs consultancy and blog writer for FPA’s 2008 Presidential Election and Public Diplomacy blogs, attended and discussed the World Affairs Council of Northern California’s annual conference which featured a ‘Reading Russia’ series. Dillen discusses that most of the scholars present were pessimistic about Russia and its new President’s future, calling the nation and the leader ‘more authoritarian.’

However, Dillen found a Russian analyst who had a more nuanced view of the great power and its new leader, Dimitri Trenin, Deputy Director of the Carnegie Moscow Center. Trenin sought to highlight the fact that though the Russian’s change over of power was anything close to a free and fair a election, it more likely resembled the choice of one really, really Super Delegate, it was still a peaceful, organized step-down and ascension of power in nation without a history of such an occurrence. Trenin also argues that it is in Putin’s interest to secure a ‘mature’ and strong President Medvedev. Trenin states ‘I think the West would be right to read this as a case of regency whose purpose would not be to give Mr. Putin a formal pretext for returning to power but rather to guarantee that Medvedev succeeds.’

We have talked about Robert Kagan’s new book arguing that Russia and China offer the world’s states another model for modernization, one based on authoritative government. And we have also discussed how the Medvedev/Putin changeover would affect Russia’s foreign relations, especially in Central Asia. Will Russia’s peaceful transition of power have any impact on the government and leaders of Central Asia? Most of the CA states have leaders for life or have consistently augmented their constitutions to secure their continued rule. Who do you agree with more, the majority of Russian scholars who are pessimistic about the great power’s authoritative nature and future or with Trenin, who sees some progress in the state’s recent governmental changeover?