Opposition to War in Iraq Building in Central Asia

In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the United States dramatically increased security cooperation with Central Asian states, including the establishment of an American military presence in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Now states in the region are concerned that US interest in Central Asian security will wane as the focus on Iraq intensifies. These fears are prompting rising opposition among Central Asian leaders to a war against Iraq.

Kyrgyzstani Foreign Minister Askar Aytmatov on February 12 joined the chorus of critics of Washington's Iraq stance, announcing Bishkek's support for a diplomatic initiative by Russia, France and Germany to avert a war. "These countries' [Russia, France and Germany] efforts to find a peaceful solution give some grounds for hoping that real opportunities to avoid extreme measures