Kyrgyzstan: The Roots of Violence
Thanks to recent news coverage, we know that there has been ongoing violence in Kyrgyzstan between the Kyrgyz and the Uzbeks. But what we may not know is WHY. Whenever news coverage provides an explanation for the violence, “ethnic tension” is usually cited as the cause. But what are the roots of the ethnic tension that has continuously lead to violence between these two groups?
First of all, the term “ethnic” conflict may be a misnomer. There are almost no discernible ethnic differences between the Kyrgyz and the Uzbeks. Both groups are predominantly Muslim and they speak a similar Turkic language.
Issue 1: Economic Disparity
The real conflict seems to stem from this fact: Kyrgyz were traditionally nomadic while Uzbeks established themselves as farmers. Since farmers typically stay in one place to tend their fields, they are able to build stable settlements and create surpluses. Historically, this translates to wide class divisions. Today, the Uzbeks in the south of Kyrgyzstan own and operate many successful businesses. These economic differences are certainly a large contributing factor to the ethnic tension and the recent outbreak of violence.
Courtesy New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/15/world/asia/15kyrgyz.html?scp=6&sq=kyrgyzstan&st=cse
An Uzbek soldier directed Uzbek refugees on Monday in Osh, a southern Kyrgyz city, as they waited to cross into Uzbekistan
