The use of "heavy-handed repression" by Central Asian governments increases the risk that the Hizb-ut-Tahrir, a non-violent radical Islamic group, will adopt more confrontational tactics, according to a recently published report. The study, prepared by the Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG), is also critical of Western governments, saying their "close association with Central Asian dictatorships" helps fuel Islamic radicalism.
In its report, titled "Radical Islam in Central Asia: Responding to Hizb-ut-Tahrir," the ICG cites some regional human rights activists, who see the underground organization as an "essentially peaceful group that operates only in the realm of ideas and propaganda." The Hizb has specifically rejected terrorism, believing the murder of innocent bystanders to be a violation of Islamic law, the report adds.
The report goes on to caution, however, that "the view that the Hizb-ut-Tahrir is opposed to political violence per se is mistaken." The ideological foundation of the Hizb, which advocates the overthrow of existing governments in Central Asia and the establishment of an Islamic caliphate, leaves room for the possible use of violence, the ICG report indicates. "There is clearly some potential for a defensive jihad [holy war] to be interpreted in a very broad fashion," the report states.
Kyrgyz officials have claimed that an effort is underway to unify radical Islamic groups in Central Asia, including the Hizb, Uighur separatists and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU). [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. The ICG report is skeptical of such a merger, citing the considerable tactical and strategic differences among the groups.
"The differences in tactics seem too great to overcome
