Publication

This paper addresses the alleged murder of Alisher Saipov, one of Kyrgyzstan's most prominent journalists, by Uzbek security forces. It reviews the conflicting versions of Saipov's death, discusses the uneasy relations between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan and introduces Uzbek opposition movements such as the Erk Democratic Party. Subsequently, the paper examines US and EU policy toward Uzbekistan, commenting on sanctions related to the Andijon unrests of May 2005 and the need for regional military bases. It argues that any efforts to soften the international sanctions or otherwise to lessen the Uzbek regime's political isolation would be misguided.