Osh, Kyrgyzstan: Post-Revolution: Larry Tweed
The people of Osh are planning a celebration to support the turn-over of power, outside their southern White House today (Saturday). Sounds like it's going to be a big party--of course, we are still holed up. My friend in Bishkek reported hearing gunshots last night and several large crowds of people moving about.
This sounds a bit ominous, but he was also told by a friend of his who works for Kyrgyz security forces to "stock up on water." Apparently indicating that there might be some problem with the water or that it might be in short supply until things calm down. Fact and fiction are oft confused for one another.
Other than this, no real news. While some think Kylov (or Kulov) is tough nut to crack, many others have praised the actions he has taken. Yesterday, I was told he threatened to fire any policemen who does not show up to work today. I reported that Tsum had been looted. This was incorrect. Dordoy Plaza and Beta stores were destroyed, however, Kylov stepped in and saved Tsum--Tsum is now in its 31st year of operation and so, it's a little ironic today that this blocky monstrosity of the soviet-era now stands as a pillar of capitalism in capital of Kyrgyzstan.
We ate rotisserie chicken last night and pasta. Then the "boys" played cards while gals sipped wine and watched movies. So, for anyone out there that thought we were holed up in a cave somewhere-we're actually living high on the hog...well sort of. I slept on the kitchen floor for the third night in row--but James Hart's cockroaches ("my friends" as he likes to call them) kept me company, reminding me that I wasn't alone.
Peace Corps is simply waiting to see what will happen-so this phase may take a few more days. If things remain calm, I'm fairly confident we'll resume our pre-revolutionary lives.
That's the word from Central Asia's "Island of Democracy" as Kyrgyzstan was proclaimed to be throught the 1990's.
Take care,
Peace,
larry tweed
This sounds a bit ominous, but he was also told by a friend of his who works for Kyrgyz security forces to "stock up on water." Apparently indicating that there might be some problem with the water or that it might be in short supply until things calm down. Fact and fiction are oft confused for one another.
Other than this, no real news. While some think Kylov (or Kulov) is tough nut to crack, many others have praised the actions he has taken. Yesterday, I was told he threatened to fire any policemen who does not show up to work today. I reported that Tsum had been looted. This was incorrect. Dordoy Plaza and Beta stores were destroyed, however, Kylov stepped in and saved Tsum--Tsum is now in its 31st year of operation and so, it's a little ironic today that this blocky monstrosity of the soviet-era now stands as a pillar of capitalism in capital of Kyrgyzstan.
We ate rotisserie chicken last night and pasta. Then the "boys" played cards while gals sipped wine and watched movies. So, for anyone out there that thought we were holed up in a cave somewhere-we're actually living high on the hog...well sort of. I slept on the kitchen floor for the third night in row--but James Hart's cockroaches ("my friends" as he likes to call them) kept me company, reminding me that I wasn't alone.
Peace Corps is simply waiting to see what will happen-so this phase may take a few more days. If things remain calm, I'm fairly confident we'll resume our pre-revolutionary lives.
That's the word from Central Asia's "Island of Democracy" as Kyrgyzstan was proclaimed to be throught the 1990's.
Take care,
Peace,
larry tweed
posted by letweed at
11:10 PM
4 Comments:
Its amazing that everyone is still there. I'm sure its safe on the Russian Air Base! Putin agreed to take in the leaders, but I'm sure there is more concern about attacks on Russia, like the school coming out of the 'muck' in the Stans.
They keep on saying popular revolution and I'm not sure what that means. The leaders left the country like in Haiti, so I assume its those same guys playing coup again(never guess who makes those arrangements). Refuge is another way to use a coup to ruin more countries.
Good luck and I'd call my Congressman again!
By
Anonymous, At
1:20 AM
The news is their forming a new government and having those (important elections-I guys you can stay there). It does'nt make sense since the leader of the oppositon has declared himself President and picked his staff, etc. I gues if its good enough for PC and the US government you can pull it off. Togo was an excellent example and I can only say the follow through in Kyryg just makes me want start some coups like those other Americans.
I'm planning a couple in 2006.
By
Anonymous, At
9:58 AM
Rice cameout and talked about Kyryg and the headling says it all:
"Rice Describes Plans To Spread Democracy"
I still can't figure out how the opposition can run for office when he already declared himself President and picked his staff, etc.
I really don't see much of an analogy between 'liberating' countries like Afghanistan and Irag for Democracy and what has happened in X PC countries like Togo and Kyrygistan.
Hopefully they'll stop pushing for funding and having all the PCVs classified again.
Its okay to call your Congressman and express concern and maybe buy some insurance for the future!
Good Luck!
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1802&ncid=1802&e=1&u=/washpost/20050326/ts_washpost/a1911_2005mar25
By
Anonymous, At
11:01 AM
The water rumor from Registran.net (Uzi):
Rumors are flying around rapidly here - but my own impression is that things seem to have calmed down. Last night, the police did heavy enforcement (news below). Some of the rumors were odd - there were rumors that Aidar Akaev’s forces were gathering in Dordoi bazaar and preparing to move to Bishkek. When we went to Dordoi, they heard rumors that people from Bishkek were coming to loot the bazaar and were defending their containers. Others claimed that a poison was put in the water system. Etc.
Today, however, things were calm and even some restaurants were open (thank you Doka Pizza!). Osh Bazaar was open - at least I saw fruits, bread etc being sold.
By
Anonymous, At
12:12 PM
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