Online Journal Editors' Blog

The superpower match on the Grand Chessboard continues. After getting kicked out of Uzbekistan, the US keeps its Kyrgystan base, ensuring a continuation of conflict:

Then we have this from Pakistan's Daily Times: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says US does not need new US bases in Central Asia

Quoting from this article, Condi Rice, in her brittle and brain-addled manner, tells some poor lies while giving away the game:

"Speaking to reporters aboard her plane prior to arriving in Kyrgyzstan, Rice acknowledged that the US was pursuing military interests in Central Asia, but said they took second place to its political objectives in a larger US strategy to counter extremism worldwide."

"Countering extremism worldwide" is their "military interest". Then she buries herself with more dirt:

“'In no way are our relationships in Central Asia aimed at anyone,' she said. 'In other words, we want these countries to have good relations with their neighbours, especially good relations with Russia."

The "war on terrorism" has been "aimed at" every country on the continent. Meanwhile:

" . . . the Russian foreign ministry has said Moscow is prioritising 'development of military-political interaction' in its relations with Tajikistan, amid speculation Washington is looking for ways to boost its military presence in that country. The daily Kommersant said Russian President Vladimir Putin had persuaded his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rakhmonov, to reject any US request for basing rights in the country."