Uzbeks’ Anger at Rulers Boils Over

The recent terrorist attacks in Uzbekistan highlight the country's overall decay and discontent. Ruled since the Soviet Union broke up in 1991 by President Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan appears mired in economic depression, and political terror: 80% of the people live in poverty and most talk as if still living under Soviet era oppression. Furthermore, lack of civil society groups, a free press, and legal political opposition have led many citizens to the only groups that know how to sustain themselves underground: radical fundamentalists. One analyst claims the current situation, in which widespread dissatisfaction is finally being expressed, indicates a dying dictatorship. While the government may claim that the recent attacks are the result of global terrorism, suggests this article, it would appear that they instead represent local dissidence. – YaleGlobal