The Foreign Service Journal, April 2003

stability but neglected to highlight torture and ongoing political and religious repression.” This approach, the report points out, “only served to embolden the gov- ernment’s repression.” Contacts in the region report that President Rahmonov is laying the groundwork for an unconstitutional extension of his rule to a second term. Still the U.S. has embraced Rahmonov, who was accorded a visit to Washington in December 2002. And on Jan. 9, 2003, the State Department announced the removal of arms sales restrictions on Tajikistan that had been in place since 1993. In Kyrgyzstan, the 2003 HRW report’s assessment is: “With its increasingly close relationship to the U.S. and heightened international profile, the government appeared confident that repressive measures would have no diplomatic consequences.” As elsewhere in Central Asia, the Bishkek regime has repressed the Hizv-ut-Tahrir (Party of Liberation), a nonviolent Islamic group that seeks to establish an Islamic state in Central Asia. As in Kazakhstan, the Bishkek regime has cooperated with the Chinese government in expelling Uighurs fleeing China’s Xinjiang province, sending them back to China, where they face persecu- tion. As this article goes to press, President Akayev appears intent on eliminating opposition to his rule in the nation’s bicameral parliament by abolishing it in favor of a new unicameral body. Despite this record, the U.S. embrace of the Akayev regime has been warm. Kyrgyzstan reportedly received $50 million in U.S. assis- F O C U S A P R I L 2 0 0 3 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 29 A December 2002 review by Radio Free Europe/RadioLiberty described human rights in Central Asia as “in decline.” SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE AMERICA S I NCE 1 9 7 1 2001 represents our 31 st year helping to maintain America’s fleet of vehicles throughout the world. All of us at D & M consider it an honor to have worked with all of you through these years. We are aware of the importance of your official and private vehicles, forklifts, generators, tools and equipment. We look forward to continuing this service in a professional manner. We are here to help, just ask! Gary Vlahov www.dmauto.com (516) 822-6662; FAX: (516) 822-5020; E-mail: info@dmauto.com