Kyrgyzstan, Part 2

I previously wrote a blog a few months ago about this small country in central Asia known as Kyrgyzstan. Since its independence in 1991, there have been riots, ethic tension, and a civil war that almost squelched the country's hopes of stability. You this tiny state, was once a member of the former Soviet Union. 2010 was the year to bring a change, with an election and the propensity to become a democracy. These seemed realistic, until the riots and ethnic violence resurfaced in April of this year. With former president Bakiyev was ousted in a coup, as well as fighting between native Kyrgyz and neighboring, Uzbeks. 

Yet in October, the election took place, only to expose the dreaded tension between the Kyrgyz and Uzbeks. Once more, the country has to come to grips with the intolerance that was taking place and could no longer brush it aside. (For more information on the conflict between the two groups, check out the BBC.) Even though the tensions were high, no major violence occurred. In fact, the elections were considered the "cleanest and fairest election" they had ever had. This was a step in the direction that the country had been wishing for. 

But it does not stop there. In the past 48 hours, a coalition government presides over the country, with the majority being democratic. It is hopefully, yet the tensions between the neighboring countries (Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan) is less than promising. This is because they all have authoritarian governments at the helm. Now they all have Islam as the primary/dominant religion, as does Kyrgyzstan, which adds to some profound religious unity. The country is moving itself i a very progressive way in order to establish themselves as a "fair and democratic nation," despite their past.

On the horizon, there are a few issues that would need to be addressed and subsequently rectified. The first being the tension between the two differing ethnic groups. Kyrgyzstan has been known as a place where ethnic superiority has been a staple. The idea of being "pure blood" and 100% Kyrgyz is applauded, while minority groups are treated with contempt. 

The second issue is that of illegal drugs. One quarter of the world's supply of heroin travels through Central Asia and the city of Osh (in Southern Kyrgyzstan) is one of the largest hubs of the drug trade. 

Despite these two road blocks, the future looks promising. Prayers will be needed as they take steps to creating stability and tolerance.