06/29/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-09974

UZBEKS, U.S. VS. TERRORISM

The war against terrorism is a war for civilization. A war for the future. A war for freedom. The people of Uzbekistan are natural allies of the United States in the war against terrorism. Uzbeks stand with the U.S. and other coalition members against Islamic extremism in central Asia.

Throughout history Uzbeks have been known as defenders of their homeland. After Communism fell in 1991, the Uzbeks revived their national tradition, the "altin meros" [ALL-TIN MAY-ROS], or "golden heritage." This heritage includes warriors like Timur [Tamerlane]. It includes Islamic scholars like Baha’ud’din Naqshband [BAH-HAH-OOD-DEEN NAHKSH-BAHND]. Uzbeks are proud of their distinct Muslim culture. Since Communism was abandoned, they have rebuilt the tombs of Naqshband and other Islamic figures.

Uzbekistan has also had an opportunity to modernize. But it faces many difficulties in creating a democratic society. The government has been criticized for serious human rights violations. It must assure equal rights and the rule of law for all citizens. It must transform its economy through privatization.

Uzbekistan became especially prominent after the attacks of September 11^th and after the U.S.-led coalition launched the war against the Taleban and the terrorist al-Qaida network. But as U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said, "the interest of the U.S. in Uzbekistan precedes the events of September 11^th. The U.S. is interested in a longstanding relationship with this country and not something that focuses on immediate problems alone."

Uzbekistan itself had experienced the ravages of terrorism before September 11^th. The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, or I-M-U, is part of the al-Qaida terrorist network. It planted bombs in Uzbek cities, murdering Uzbek citizens. In 2000, it invaded Uzbek territory, trying to establish a base in the mountains outside the capital, Tashkent. I-M-U supporters fought on the losing side in Afghanistan. Their plans for spreading terror, by infiltrating Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Xinjiang region of China, were part of a scheme to conquer central Asia. Their plans were spoiled.

Uzbekistan is a valued ally of the United States and the other coalition members. Terrorism has no future, in central Asia or elsewhere. With the help of Uzbekistan, the U.S.-led coalition will win the war on terrorism.