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The “Tulip” Revolution Craze Is Ending

The mood on Kyrgyzstan’s streets has swung from jubilation at the ousting of President Askar Akayev to apprehension and anger. The central Asian country followed fellow ex-Soviet Ukraine and Georgia in ridding itself this week of an unwanted leader by mass, opposition-led protests. But euphoria has given way to anxiety after lawlessness and looting in […]

The mood on Kyrgyzstan’s streets has swung from jubilation at the ousting of President Askar Akayev to apprehension and anger.

The central Asian country followed fellow ex-Soviet Ukraine and Georgia in ridding itself this week of an unwanted leader by mass, opposition-led protests.

But euphoria has given way to anxiety after lawlessness and looting in the capital, and squabbling in the ranks of the opposition that took power that leaves the way ahead unclear.

“Is all this good or bad? I fear it will be worse because there is instability,” said Alexander Shirbina, a 57-year-old photographer.

“Under Akayev things were not great. But they should have waited until an election to get rid of him. A coup is no good.” ~Reuters

Mr. Shirbina might have said that a coup is no good for Kyrgyzstan, stability in central Asia or principles of legitimate government. It is, however, very good for Ambassador Young and his interventionist masters.

Note the statement by a shepherd from te village of Chym Korgon further down in the article: “I myself am not fond of Akayev but I wanted everything to be done in a democratic way. What we see now in Bishkek is pure lawlessness and is far removed from the constitution.” If an ordinary Kyrgyz shepherd can see that this is an unconstitutional coup, and he doesn’t even regard it as being “democratic,” how can the Western media be so dense as to have believed in “people power” triumphing in Bishkek? Of course, the shepherd is probably a much more sensible and normal human being than most journalists…

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