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The author notes that to speak of democracy in the countries of Central Asia would seem to be a futile effort. The republics that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union are known for their authoritarian, repressive, & centralized regimes. Following a review of the history & sociopolitical context of the Central Asian countries, the author describes being in Bishkek in Jan 2010, when Kyrgyzstan was between revolutions & popular revolts, & discusses the country's internal dynamics as well as foreign relations with the US, Russia, & other Western nations. While a ray of hope was apparent at that time -- with the establishment of a new legitimate government & a new social contract -- it was soon extinguished. Once again, the future of Kyrgyzstan, like that of the other Central Asian countries, appears unlikely to change anytime soon. S. Stanton