growing rift?

Three US Senators, lead by Republican Senator John McCain, came to Tashkent to press for an international investigation into the events that took place in Andijan. Instead of the usual high profile reception that high ranking US delegates used to get from Uzbek officials, this time the Senators were given the cold shoulder. Not a single official from the Uzbek government would meet with them. They were forced to hold their press conference in the basement of the US Embassy.

For more on the visit, check out Radio Free Europe or the San Jose Mercury News.

China and Uzbekistan joining forces against the USA (as Pravda puts it) also illustrates the growing rift between Washington and Tashkent. While the USA is growing increasing critical of the events in Andijan, hardline Chinese leader Hu Jintao has been very supportive of the way Karimov handled the situation. China wants regional stability above all else. Both sides believe in ensuring this by any means necessary.


Chinese leader Hu Jintao and Uzbek President Islam Karimov

Also of note is that the police have started rounding people up who are suspected of being part of the opposition.

Probably the most interesting piece I have seen on the whole situation was a recent op-ed article by Charles V. Pena of the Cato Institute called 'In Uzbekistan, Washington should side with no one'. I encourage people to read it and let me know what they think.