GPWA Times Magazine - Issue 14 - October 2010

Kyrgyzstan conflict timeline and FAQ March 2005: Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian republic with a population of 5 million, experiences the First Tulip Revolution. Following peaceful, non- violent demonstrations, President Askar Akayev is replaced by opposi- tion leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev, who pledges to curb presidential powers and end government corruption. April 2010: The Second Tulip Revo- lution begins as a national day of protest against government-decreed hikes in fuel and water prices, and quickly escalates into a full-scale, two-day bloody uprising that leaves as many as 100 people dead. Baki- yev flees the country and is replaced by Roza Utunbayeva, who promises constitutional reform and a new era of democracy. International significance: The April revolution was strongly supported by Russia, whichwants the United States to vacate the air base it maintains in Kyrgyzstan to support its war in Af- ghanistan. The revolution has stirred up fresh political rivalry involving not only Russia and the U.S. but also China, NATO and other entities over their interests in Central Asia and its vast energy resources. Riot police are attacked by anti-govern- ment protesters in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 7 April 2010 (Reuters).