07/08/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-09992

TERRORIST FIGHT IN CENTRAL ASIA

The global struggle against terrorism requires the United States to work closely with many countries -- including some with poor human rights records. But U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Lorne Craner emphasized that this does not mean the U.S. is abandoning its concern for human rights. Indeed, human rights and democracy are as essential today as ever -- if not more so.

Mr. Craner heads the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. "We cannot win a war on terrorism," he said, "by diminishing the universal observance of human rights. To do so would be merely to set the stage for a resurgence of terrorism in another generation."

Among the countries that have provided invaluable assistance in the war against terrorism are the central Asian republics of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The proximity of these countries to Afghanistan and their own experiences with terrorism make them particularly vulnerable to terrorist attacks. But it is also clear that the U.S. will be in a better position to increase its cooperation with these countries if their governments allow democratic institutions to emerge.

As Mr. Craner pointed out, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan have "poor" human rights records. Uzbekistan’s human rights record is "very poor," he said, and that of Turkmenistan is "extremely poor." In all five countries, to varying degrees, freedom of speech, association, and religion are restricted or denied, along with the rule of law and the right to change the government.

The U.S. is working with its coalition partners to promote human rights and democracy because political reform enhances stability and security. In central Asia, programs are underway or are being planned to support human rights and democracy activists, independent journalists, and non-governmental organizations.

As Assistant Secretary of State Craner said, "In this new world of greater vigilance against wanton terrorist attacks, [the U.S. is] as convinced as ever that democratic freedoms, political and economic stability, and human rights are key to a world free of terrorism. Societies that respect human dignity. . .provide no opportunity for terrorism to take hold. A stable government that is accountable to its people and respects their rights. . .can deal more effectively with extremist elements. . . . These are the societies we are striving for in central Asia, with both our policies and our assistance programs."