Why Kyrgyzstan Doesn't Want Russian or American Bases

Going It Alone: Why Kyrgyzstan Doesn't Want Russian or American Bases -- Joshua Foust, The Atlantic

The Kyrgyz leader does not seem terribly interested in being Russia's proxy in Central Asia.

Russian-Kyrgyz relations have deteriorated sharply. Russia is dissatisfied with Kyrgyz plans to shut down a russian military base, and Bishkek demands to replace the General Secretary of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The new apple of discord became the Dastan torpedo producing plant, which Moscow is seeking to control.

Last year, when Atambayev threatened to shut down the U.S. base in Kyrgyzstan, analysts seemed to react in one of two ways: Atambayev was steering Kyrgyzstan toward a new, pro-Russia stance (focusing as well on his endorsement of the Eurasian Union), or he was just sort of angling for more money to coast out the last six months of 2014 until the whole question becomes moot anyway (I still lean toward the latter interpretation).

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My Comment: Russian - Kyrgyzstan differences were glossed over when Kyrgyzstan was a part of the Soviet Union. But with the break-up of the old Soviet Union, the former republics are learning and acting independently. Some .... like Kyrgyzstan .... took longer to learn this, but it appears that they are catching up .... and catching up very quickly. As for U.S. interests .... American concerns were always focused on the Manas airbase, a vital transit hub for supplying Afghanistan. But with the Russians now offering an alternative airbase .... I would not be surprised if this U.S. base will be handed to Kyrgyzstan and then forgotten when the lease is up..