Bush would love to topple Uzbekistan with another velvet revolution and is probably set up to do so. However given the precarious nature of the country any move by Bush promoting instability such as a color or velvet revolution would give the Hizbut Tehrir a chance to gain influence. Thus it seems Bush has held back and circumstances have propelled the Hizbut Tehrir to take the initiative.
In the course of events since the Uzbeks have fired upon Muslims or the HT we will probably get a half hearted condemnation from Washington, unless Bush can turn this into an advantage.
-Am
Reference: The "great game" in Uzbekistan concerns the eventual destination of the country's energy reserves. Washington wants Uzbekistan's oil and gas to flow to Japan rather than to China, and has reportedly worked behind the scenes in Moscow to block a gas pipeline to China and to push for infrastructure in Russia. A Russo-American accord on the energy issue is checked by Moscow's strategic interest in restoring influence in Uzbekistan at the expense of Washington, which has moved Moscow closer to Beijing. #msg-5001056
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