Uzbek Government Dismisses Link Between Terrorism and Poverty

Uzbekistan's government appears to be digging in its heels as it responds to the Islamic radical violence. Uzbek Foreign Minister Sadyk Safayev was dismissive of a link between recent violence in Tashkent and socio-economic discontent in the country. Safayev also insisted that the government's firm response was fostering the "social and psychological consolidation" of Uzbek society.

International human rights groups, along with a significant number of political analysts, have argued that the Uzbek government's rigid control over political and economic life in the country was a major factor in the militant attacks. [For additional information see the Eurasia Insight]. Uzbek officials have flatly rejected any suggestion that the militant attacks were a reaction to government policies. [For additional information see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Instead, the government continued to insist that Uzbekistan has been targeted for destabilization by an international terrorist conspiracy.

"To think what happened had been exclusively been prompted by social and economic problems would be nothing other than a very simplified approach," the Interfax news agency quoted Safayev as saying April 4. "Extremism and terrorism are not generated by poverty, just as wealth does not provide immunity from them."

Safayev indicated that the government believed itself to be on the right course as it confronted the threat of "international terrorism." During the March 28-31, 14 civilians, 10 police officers and at least 33 Islamic militants were killed. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Law-enforcement officials said a security sweep was on-going. "Uzbekistan passed this test once again showing that it is an effective country with established civil society institutions," Safayev said. "It was not shaken by the attacks. This is an indication that the [Uzbek] state and its society is mature."

Uzbek officials have suggested the prime suspects behind the late-March violence are two known radical groups; Hizb-ut-Tahrir and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. On April 3, however, Centrasia.ru web site reported receiving an email message in which a new group, calling itself Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility for the attacks.