The recent revolution in Kyrgyzstan, believed by some to have been engineered and facilitated by the Russian intelligence services, has resulted in the strengthening of Russia’s influence in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan – or Kirgizia, as it is historically known – is an artificial creation stemming from Soviet times. Joseph Stalin gave the status of a union republic, within the Soviet Union, to Kyrgyzstan during the 1930s in order to prevent a unified Central Asian bloc being formed against Moscow in the event of this region ever becoming independent.
The Kirgiz people practically speak the same language as Kazakhs and the only difference between the two groups is that the former are a mountain people while the latter are nomads living on plains. When the government of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev was overthrown in May, Russia moved quickly to recognise the provisional government headed by Roza Otunbayeva. This prompted speculation among Western observers that Moscow had played a part in the downfall of the Bakiyev regime.
The Kremlin, it would appear, had lost patience with President Bakiyev who said last year that he would close the American air base at Manas – only to renege on this a short time later. The new government in power in Bishkek has already thanked the Kremlin for its “significant support” and it seems President Otunbayeva’s government will follow a completely pro-Russian foreign policy.
Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbayeva has even confirmed that the option of a second Russian military base opening in the country “remains relevant today”.
