Kazakhstan, AKTAU//enable Kazakhstan State television evening news and is almost always open with the items testify to the nation’s stability and economy.
So it was a surprise when the issue has recently started with the President declared a State of emergency in a city rocked by deadly clashes between demonstrators and police.
Public recognition of the rare problem shows the Government belatedly concern over tension under the calm facade of the former Soviet Union. But it remains unclear how effective the authority will deal with it.
Instability in Kazakhstan could have far-reaching consequences. This is an increasingly important source of oil and gas, such as uranium, zinc and copper. The Northern distribution network which supplies the U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan passes through the seemingly endless expanse of the country’s bleak steppes.
In the 20 years since independence, Kazakhstan has become one of the success stories of the former Soviet Union-avoiding a civil war and insurgency afflicting its neighbors, assiduously promoting religious tolerance and ethnic harmony and recorded an impressive economic growth.