McRae describes growing unrest

Thursday afternoon, March 24

There is growing political unrest in the country. In the southern cities of Osh (where 11 years ago there was bloody outbreak of ethnic violence between Uzbeks and Kyrgyz) and Jalalabad, an Islamic center, government buildings have been occupied for several days by the opposition.

The issue turns on the legitimacy of the recent parliamentary elections, but this is also colored by widespread poverty, ethnic differences, and, to a small extent, Islamic politics. On Tuesday, there was a pro-government demonstration in Bishkek, and today there are anti-government demonstrations. The flashpoint in Bishkek is a block away from my apartment, so it's pretty intense here right now. There doesn't seem to be a particularly violent government reaction, partly because the government has been caught off guard by the situation, especially in Jalalbat. The security on the streets is much greater -- far more police and now the militia in force, all prepared for controlling large crowds. So far, no weapons are in sight.

The university has been closed today--it is right next to the parliament, and things could get nasty over there. My usual route to work takes me right through the middle of this, so today I am staying at home, watching CNN, and generally laying low. I feel relatively safe right now. There doesn't seem to be an anti-American slant to all this, so much as an anti-government one. Still, it is always possible for a demonstration to turn ugly.

So, the country is interesting. I'm fine.

Bill

This information posted 05 APRIL 2005