Friday, April 23, 2010

The revolution in Kyrgyzstan and why it matters

On April 7, protestors incensed at government corruption and rapidly increasing utility bills clashed with police and quickly took control of Kyrgyzstan’s government.[1] CNN anchor Kyra Phillips voiced the sentiments of most Americans when she asked, “Why should we care that [Kyrgyzstan’s] government is now gone, swept away by armed protesters?”[2] The United States has virtually no economic ties to Kyrgyzstan, and the political relationship of the two countries has never been exceptionally strong. Yet, America does have an important military base near the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, and with a position between Afghanistan and Russia, America has many strategic interests in the Central Asian country.[3]

Manas Air Base, the only American military base in Central Asia, plays a vital role in combat operations in Afghanistan.[4] Most American troops and supplies on their way to Afghanistan pass through Manas, and with Obama’s surge into Afghanistan, the base has taken on additional importance. In the early hours of Kyrgyzstan’s revolution, operations at Manas were halted, but the interim government led by Roza Otunbayeva has stated that American forces may continue to use the base.[5] For the time being, it appears that Manas Air Base will continue to play a significant role in the War in Afghanistan.

Further geopolitical considerations must be taken into account when analyzing the revolution in Kyrgyzstan. Both America and Russia are vying for influence in Central Asia, and Manas Air Base has been a point of contestation. In 2008, President Bakiyev of Kyrgyzstan ordered that the base cease operations in an attempt to gain favor with Russia.[6] To keep its base, America had to quadruple its annual rent payment, bringing the yearly payment to $60 million.[7] Officially, Russia and America are going to work together to address the problems in Kyrgyzstan. Michael McFaul, Obama’s senior director for Russian affairs, has stated that the two countries have “talked in general terms of things we've got to coordinate”.[8] On the same day, however, a senior Russian official said, “In Kyrgyzstan there should be only one base – Russian.”[9] Despite reassurances from Kyrgyzstan’s interim government and Russia's president, the American presence in Kyrgyzstan will not go unchallenged. The United States must be prepared to defend its interests in this important yet largely unfamiliar country.

The revolution in Kyrgyzstan may not be the most pressing issue in international politics at the moment, but it is something that President Obama and the American people should closely monitor. Even seemingly insignificant rebellions can have far-reaching consequences. When America's strategic interests are at risk, even Kyrgyzstan cannot be considered insignificant.



[1] Leonard, Peter. "Protesters claim coup in Kyrgyzstan." 7 April 2010. The Detroit News. 9 April 2010 .

[2] CNN. "Transcripts." 8 April 2010. CNN Newsroom. 9 April 2010 /cnr.01.html>.

[3] CIA. "CIA World Factbook: Kyrgyzstan." 2010. CIA.gov. 9 April 2010 .

[4] Bradley, William. "Obama's Big New AfPak Problems." 7 April 2010. The Huffington Post. 9 April 2010 .

[5] novinite.com. "US Keeps Kyrgyzstan Air Base Despite Political Changes." 8 April 2010. 9 April 2010 .

[6] Harper, Francesca. "Kyrgyzstan Government Toppled By Opposition: Why Americans Should Care." 7 April 2010. gather.com. 9 April 2010 .

[7] Ibid.

[8] Associated Press. "US Russia considering cooperation on Kyrgyzstan." 9 April 2010. Google News. 9 April 2010 .

[9] Reuters. "Russia wants U.S. Kyrgyz base to close-offical." 8 April 2010. Georgian Daily. 9 April 2010 .