Field Reports
RESIGNATION AND EXTENSION CAMPAIGNS FACE OFF IN KYRGYZSTAN
By Nazgul Baktybekova (2/9/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)
On 2 February the political bloc “For the Resignation of President Askar Akaev and Reforms for the People” proceeded to collect signatures for the early resignation of the incumbent President. This political bloc was formed in 2002 following the Aksy events when police opened fire on demonstrators, killing six local protestors. The political bloc unites six political parties: “Erkin Kyrgyzstan”, “Respublica”, “Kairan El”, “Erkindik”, Democratic Movement of Kyrgyzstan and “Asaba” party.WOOING THE TALIBAN
By Daan van der Schriek (2/9/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Already before the presidential election last October, Hamid Karzai told the press several times that he had no problems at all with “ordinary” Taliban. He invited them to lay down their weapons and retake their place in Afghan society. Only the top 50-100 or so Taliban, “with blood on their hands,” could not count on such a lenient attitude – and should be punished.DEATH OF ZURAB ZHVANIA CAUSES CONTROVERSY IN GEORGIA
By Kakha Jibladze (2/9/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Although representatives from the government quickly announced that Zhvania’s death was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from a improperly installed gas heater, Georgians first believed it was an act of terrorism connected to the car bombing in Gori. Both Russia and South Ossetia immediately denied any involvement. Human rights activists and political opposition parties began accusing the government of a cover up Thursday.ABKHAZ RE-ELECTION CREATES MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS
By Kakha Jibladze (1/26/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)
The Georgian government is now offering a new plan for a federal system between the two entities and Abkhaz Foreign Minister Sergei Shamba has reportedly stated that the Abkhaz side is ready to resume talks in March. Despite the perceived eagerness on both sides for a peaceful outcome, experts are saying the real challenge may lay in the great distrust Georgian and Abkhazian citizens have for each other.Although Bagapsh officially won the October 3 election, he eventually agreed to a Moscow-brokered compromise after the tension over the election escalated nearly to the point of civil war.
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Staff Publications
Silk Road Paper S. Frederick Starr, Greater Central Asia as A Component of U.S. Global Strategy, October 2024.
Analysis Laura Linderman, "Rising Stakes in Tbilisi as Elections Approach," Civil Georgia, September 7, 2024.
Analysis Mamuka Tsereteli, "U.S. Black Sea Strategy: The Georgian Connection", CEPA, February 9, 2024.
Silk Road Paper Svante E. Cornell, ed., Türkiye's Return to Central Asia and the Caucasus, July 2024.
Book Svante E. Cornell, ed., "The Changing Geopolitics of Central Asia and the Caucasus" AFPC Press/Armin LEar, 2023.
Silk Road Paper Svante E. Cornell and S. Frederick Starr, Stepping up to the “Agency Challenge”: Central Asian Diplomacy in a Time of Troubles, July 2023.
Silk Road Paper S. Frederick Starr, U.S. Policy in Central Asia through Central Asian Eyes, May 2023.