Unfortunate Incidents and Warnings of Violence

After the Kyrgyz revolution, the government of Kazakhstan (among other nations) took a long hard look at their own situation and potential for such an uprising. A number of statements were made to the effect that Kazakhstan was too politically and socially stable, that the level of living was too high for such revolutions. In different shades, comments were made that Nazarbayve was too strong, that Akaev was known to be weak and it was his fault for running like he did. The Kazakh nation is too proud to shame their nation by revolting and threatening the stability and power of the state. Confident statements were made by Ministers, by the President, and his daughter that a colored revolution could not happen here. Some spurious comments have been made, espeically by outsiders, that Astana and Almaty are such beautiful, wonderful cities with great supermarkets full of good and stand as proof of the greatness of life in Kazakhstan—ignoring the poorer parts of the country, not to mention the cities and the very real problems that do exist in Kazakhstan. An article appeared in the Almaty Herald praising the strength of Nazarbayev and comparing him to other strong leaders, essentially claiming that it was right for a leader to destroy his enemies in any way possible. One would hope for a leader who also did some leading upon occasion of course. Protests and assaults were made, apparently without any official involvement, against Tuyakbai and his campaign leaders, by people carrying signs to the effect that he was destroying his nation by promoting foment.

Nonetheless, note was made that the threat existed of such a revolution—that the opposition was frustrated (whether because of the Administration’s injustices or because of their own weakness), that people can become infected, that the corrupted West was planting illegitimate roots in Kazakhstan, that certain elements could use revolution and anarchy to empower themselves. Note was made that the police have ordered crowd control weapons, and also machine guns, and were training in putting down rallies. The Kyrgyzstan revolution and its aftermath were shown in the press in terms of anarchy and rumors were spread that Russians were running away, cars were being impounded by the police on the road from Almaty to Bishkek. And to be fair, things aren’t pretty at the moment, through evidence exists that people still live there and go about their business.

Now we have some ominous announcements (more…)