Originally posted by asromacalcioYeah, but those were the "family-sized super value" demonstrations. I was actually expecting a bit of a kick-off a little sooner. The delay probably does mean more serious repercussions. If you're ther, good luck, stay safe.
They were only demonstrations. We're off again, this time they'll probably finish the job.
Edit - I've just checked the profile, you have the flag - so the stay safe thing goes double.
Originally posted by st00p1dfac3Thanks. We don't know how much things will escalate but two years ago in spite of the results it took place largely within a very small area and settled down quite quickly. A few recent news events have put a different shine on things, I don't know enough to comment at this stage, but it doesn't help things.
Yeah, but those were the "family-sized super value" demonstrations. I was actually expecting a bit of a kick-off a little sooner. The delay probably does mean more serious repercussions. If you're ther, good luck, stay safe.
Edit - I've just checked the profile, you have the flag - so the stay safe thing goes double.
Knowing that there isn't massive interest at RHP for probably the least known country in the world, as I'm here I'm well-placed to let people know about what is likely to become international headline news over the next few days.
The significance is more than that of a small former Soviet state struggling to find stability after an unprecedented revolution brought a change of leader a few short years ago. Instability in this country could have a destabilising effect across a wider geographical and political area, not least as the only US air base in the area is just outside the capital here, Bishkek. We can only speculate about how this would affect operations further south in Afghanistan. As such these depend in part on the presence of the air base locally, although I cannot be specific as to how or how much.
What I can say is that regular protests here do come very close to spilling over into semi-organised violence, they say that many protesters are paid, others simply given alcohol, others require neither such incentive. In November I was brave or mad enough to go down to the square on a day which had nearly seen peacekeepers lose control, bombs had allegedly been used (although only crude devices) and there was a very high profile army presence on the streets. That night there was a very tense atmosphere but it came to nothing, rumour was that the president was about to give in to demands and within a few days a constitution had been signed which effectively handed over half of his power to Parliament.
So these protests are seen to be working (not least given that in March 2005 the very same approach forced a change of leader).
But the constitution was swiftly changed back again. In a democracy such action is hardly a vote winner.
So today, April 11, there are thousands of people setting up camps in Ala Too Square virtually opposite the Kyrgyz White House. I went today and have a few hundred photos and a few videos, but what I saw today in many ways represented a summer festival. Live music, stage, fantastic weather, cheerful crowds. No sign of soldiers, police, vodka.
I mingled quite freely taking photos, was never challenged and in fact managed at one point to get within a few yards of the stage with my camera quite visible.
Opinion is divided as to how these current protests may go but one thing is certain, they are no joke. People are prepared to stay in the square for as long as it takes, days maybe weeks, and the message is clear, the President has outstayed his welcome.
I plan to stay away this evening, when the meeting loses its party energy and anger sets in, not least as this President is not going to wave a white flag, not from what I can deduce.