[AdmSmith]

Islam Karimov is of the opinion that the rebellion is instigated by Washington to replace him. He also thinks that the Saudi government is working with Washington in this project.

I anticipate that the rebellion is mainly due to the Karimov-clan trying to take control of the economy in Uzbekistan and that the other clans said enough-is-enough.

We should support the eradication of Hizb-ut-Tahrir, and the sharing of power among the clans and an end of the corruption.

[nuconvert]

I think he has the Saudi part right

[Straight Vermonter]

We should support the eradication of Hizb-ut-Tahrir, and the sharing of power among the clans and an end of the corruption.

We are at an interesting crossroads in the WOT. In his inaugural address Mr Bush spoke about the need to promote democracy as a means to limit terrorism. We seemed to have moved Egypt in that direction but are we going to be willing to push allies in the WOT to do the same? Will we urge Musharraf to hold presidential elections in Pakistan? Will we press Karimov to do the same? Will we support democratic elections in west African states like Mauritania where Islamists will likely win?

Doing so may hurt us in the WOT but not doing so will undermine our reputation irreparably and incite more to oppose us.

I take the longer view and say we must support democratic reforms even if it means pulling our support (and our troops) out of a country like Uzbekistan.