I'm not quite sure how to talk about what is going on in Kyrgyzstan. I have yet to really process the horrific tragedy that is taken place in a country I love so much. The city I lived in a few years ago and where my heart remains to this day is completely destroyed and desolate (read more about this city in 2007-2008 posts). Many of you may have no idea what tragedy I am referring to. In my opinion the US media does a shotty job covering international conflicts or as some are calling this genocide. And the fact that no international peacekeeping group has stepped in to quail the violence is beyond ridiculous. How many lives have to be lost in order for a country to remove their selfish ambitions and help? I don't care if it's the US, Russia, China... someone needs to step up? Anyway... I will try to bring you up to speed:
Last week for reasons that are still being determined ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbeks started fighting and killing each other, news reports mainly Uzbeks being killed. No, this was not your typical fist-fight or scuffle, I'm talking about burning houses, shooting to kill, torture, rape, etc.etc. People are calling this a genocide against Uzbeks and I would not disagree. The number of killed being reported is about 170+, but that number is not even close to the reality of the situation. It is being said that the president that was ousted back in April with the help of his brothers and sons organized this unrest and caused all of this to interrupt the voting for a new constitution that was to take place at the end of this month. Something he said would happen if the country overthrew him. Well Mr. B and family you have done more than "interrupt" the voting, you have completely destroyed a city and almost an entire people group.
The events that have taken place the last week in Southern Kyrgyzstan are completely reprehensible... my heart literally feels like it is breaking. The loss of life and property is devastating. The people that have remained in the city have a major shortage of food, water, electricity, gas and many are still hiding out in their homes. Those that made it out of the city have crossed into Uzbekistan to find some type of relief and aid from the international community. However, not all the 75,000 Uzbeks that have fled Southern Kyrgyzstan for Uzbekistan have been able to cross the boarder, as Uzbekistan closed the boarder yesterday.
Relief is finally starting to pour into the refugee camps; but in Osh most Uzbeks are without food. The media is reporting a "uneasy calm" over the city---but those on the ground there say it is anything but calm. Fires are still burning, guns are still raging, and people are still hiding.
I'm writing all of this to raise awareness. To let people know the horrible tragedy that is happening to a people group I love dearly. Please pray for these people, both Kyrgyz and Uzbeks. Pray for peace, unity, and ultimately God's mercy over the land. Pray for wisdom for leaders in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, and the rest of the international community.
Here are a few articles/pictures if you are interested in reading more:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10316763.stm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/16/kyrgyzstan-killings-attempted-genocide-uzbeks
http://blogs.wsj.com/photojournal/2010/06/16/unrest-in-kyrgyzstan/
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