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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1463997/posts
Uzbekistan signals
Washington Times ^ | August 14, 2005 | Christopher Brown
Posted on 08/15/2005 5:15:08 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of China's statement is the phrase "terrorism, separatism and extremism." That phrase is one of the key rhetorical foundations of military cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The SCO is perhaps the most dangerous organization most Americans have never heard of. It is headquartered in Beijing and consists of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India, Iran, Pakistan and Mongolia currently enjoy observer status in preparation for full membership.
On July 5 at the annual meeting of the leaders of the member states, there was a joint statement issued that included the demand for a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from SCO member nations.
That same day the United States responded by saying "our presence [in the SCO member states] . . . is determined by the terms of our bilateral agreements" -- in effect, ignoring the significance of the SCO and the joint statement signed by Mr. Karimov himself. Within 24 hours, the Uzbekistan foreign ministry reiterated that it was seriously reconsidering the presence of United States forces on Uzbek soil.
There is, of course, another part to this story. Two weeks after the riots in Uzbekistan at the end of May, Mr. Karimov visited Beijing. He left China with a series of agreements for contracts worth over $1.5 billion. Two weeks after the July statement from the Uzbekistan Foreign Ministry, the Chinese energy company Sinopec announced an additional $106 million investment in Uzbekistan. Ten days later, Uzbekistan announced the eviction of U.S. forces, which have been supporting counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan. They will leave behind a completely modern base, upgraded at the cost to American taxpayers of millions of dollars, which can be used by either Russia or China.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Joanie-f and all, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) consists of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India, Iran, Pakistan and Mongolia currently enjoy observer status in preparation for full membership.
Sounds far too familiar...like the Coalition of Asian states. I am afriad we are staring at Wolrd War in the not too distant future if we are not tremndously vigilant and if our leaders do not act strongly now to dry up and stop funding th buildup in preparation for eventual conflict.