Uzbekistan and the United States Authoritarianism, Islamism and Washington's New Security Agenda

by Akbarzadeh, Shahram

• ISBN13: 9781842774236
• ISBN10: 1842774239
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-05-06
• Publisher: ZED BOOKS

Summary

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 centrally important 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? Akbarzadeh describes political events since independence, including the emergence of a radical Islamic opposition. He analyzes how September 11 has catalyzed a transformation in Washington's attitude as it perceived a common Islamic enemy, and he examines the possible beginnings in a retreat from Soviet-style politics.

Author Biography

Shahram Akbarzadeh is a Senior Lecturer in Global Politics at the School of Political and Social Inquiry, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	vii
Chronology	viii
Map of Uzbekistan	xi
Foreword by Yaacov Ro'i	xii
Introduction	1	(6)
1 From Soviet to Post-Soviet Authoritarianism	7	(17)
Leadership	8	(9)
Islam	17	(7)
2 Islamic Challenge	24	(15)
Emerging Islamism	25	(4)
Resurgence of Islamic Radicalism	29	(10)
3 Tashkent's Foreign Policy Decisions	39	(17)
Responding to the Tajik Civil War	40	(2)
Afghanistan	42	(3)
Seeking International Support	45	(6)
Conclusion	51	(5)
4 Uzbekistan and the United States: A Difficult Relationship	56	(16)
Uzbek Overtures	57	(4)
The US Response	61	(4)
Winds of Change	65	(3)
Conclusion	68	(4)
5 September 11 and the 'War on Terror'	72	(15)
US-Uzbek Partnership	74	(4)
Handling Russian Concerns	78	(4)
Conclusion	82	(5)
6 Human Rights and Democracy	87	(20)
Political Parties	89	(4)
Human Rights and NGOs	93	(3)
Political Prisoners and Torture	96	(3)
Freedom of Expression	99	(3)
Conclusion	102	(5)
7 Prospects for Authoritarian Withdrawal	107	(12)
Postscript	119	(2)
APPENDIX A The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan	121	(28)
APPENDIX B Extracts from the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Question of Torture	149	(8)
APPENDIX C The Call to Jihad by the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan	157	(3)
Select Bibliography	160	(3)
Index	163