Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, it has become commonplace to write of a new "Great Game" in Central Asia, pitting Russia, China, and NATO countries led by the U.S in a race for influence and access to the region's energy and other resources. But despite all the worries about the potential for international conflict, the distinctive feature of the current crisis in Kyrgyzstan is the reluctance of all the major powers to intervene there.
The riots in southern Kyrgyzstan, which first broke out Thursday, have now left hundreds of dead and thousands of injured, according to the latest reports. But the specific precipitating event for the fighting remains unclear. Kyrgyz and international analysts offer diverse possibilities, including a resurgence of longstanding tensions between ethnic Uzbeks and Kyrgyz, opportunistic looting motivated by economic and class jealousies, a plot by supporters of recently deposed President Kurmanbek Bakiev to return him to power by demonstrating the incapacity of the current interim government led by President Roza Otunbayeva to maintain order, and great power conspiracies by Russia, the United States, or other foreign powers to advance their regional interests at Kyrgyzstan's expense. ...
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