By Pulat Shozimov (10/5/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: After the changes in Kyrgyzstan, at least a will to create modern democratic institutions can be observed. On the other hand, officials in Uzbekistan categorically assess that only the radical Islamic or semi-criminal forces can come to power if the existing Uzbek regime would collapse. Uzbekistan’s government has its reasons and rationale for this conclusion, but the suppression of the opposition and limiting the space for the expression of the will of the people could lead to dangerous consequences.

By Lasha Tchantouridze (9/21/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: Georgia’s foreign debt has increased to more than US$1,700 million. At the same time, Georgia\'s trade deficit in the first six months of 2005 was more than US$500 million. The country is not making hard currency while its debt to foreign creditors is growing.

By Kunduz Jenkins (9/21/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: Recently, ex-president Askar Akaev and his supporters have given a number of interviews and statements in the mass media and in public appearances, arguing that the March Revolution regressed the country with an accompanying huge rollback in its development. They also claim that the country achieved impressive results in implementing democratic and economic reforms under the rule of the former president. Yet actual facts demonstrate the opposite.