We could easily have a renewal of conflict in the Ferghana Valley. Relations among the Central Asian States of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have deteriorated in recent months, as officials have bickered about border demarcation, border control, water usage and unpaid gas debts. In addition, regional governments have struggled to contain a radical Islamic insurgency in the Ferghana Valley, a fertile area shared by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Dyryldayev suggested repressive government policies, acting in combination with ongoing economic hardships, were primarily responsible for the appearance of armed opposition movements. In Uzbekistan, he noted, President Islam Karimov s intolerance of political opposition has left his detractors no choice but to resort to violent methods.
Conditions are very difficult for anyone who opposes incumbent authorities.
There is constant pressure exerted by special services. Those who criticize government policy are made to suffer. The second round of the parliamentary elections is scheduled for March 12. He added that he expected government repression to intensify during the spring and summer. The Central Eurasia Project aims, through its website, meetings, papers, and grants, to foster a more informed debate about the social, politcal and economic developments of the Caucasus and Central Asia.