Uzbekistan and the United States
Subtitle: authoritarianism, Islamism and Washington's security agenda
By: Shahram Akbarzadeh.
Publisher: Zed Books
Published: 2005
Place of publication: London; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 166
Subjects: Islam and politics -- Uzbekistan.; Human rights -- Uzbekistan.; Uzbekistan -- Politics and government -- 1991-; Uzbekistan -- Foreign relations.; Uzbekistan -- Foreign relations -- United States.; United States -- Foreign relations -- Uzbekistan.
Description: Uzbekistan, the most strategically situated Central Asian country, has exhibited the most appalling record on human rights and democratic reforms. Yet, post - September 11, a transformation in US policy has suddenly taken place. US troops are now stationed there; Washington has put the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan on its list of terrorist organizations; and the Bush administration has promised to triple aid to President Karimov's highly authoritarian regime. This unique study explores the central question from a longer-term Uzbek point of view: to what extent are closer ties between Washington and Tashkent contributing to political reforms inside Uzbekistan? Dr Akbarzadeh describes political events since independence, including the emergence of a radical Islamic opposition. He analyses how September 11 has catalysed a transformation in Washington's attitude as it perceived a common Islamic enemy, and he examines the possible beginnings of a retreat from Soviet-style politics.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [160]-162) and index.