Russia opens Kyrgyzstan base (30 km from US base)

[NNN0LHI]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3206385.stm

Vladimir Putin has opened Russia's first new foreign military base since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Speaking on the one-year anniversary of a Moscow theatre siege by Chechen separatists, the Russian president said the base would strengthen regional security.

But many believe it also wants to counter the growing influence of the United States.

Less than five minutes flying time from the Russian base is Manas airfield, which American aircraft have been using to support operations in Afghanistan since shortly after the 11 September, 2001, attacks.

The Russian Defence Ministry has insisted that the US should only stay in the area until the situation in Afghanistan stabilises.

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[Media_Lies_Daily]

1. The U. S. military has been in that country since 2001....

Kyrgyzstan: U.S. Troops And Dollars Are Mixed Blessings
<http://www.rferl.org/nca/features/2001/12/27122001091617.asp>

"Two hundred U.S. troops have already deployed in Kyrgyzstan -- with 3,800 or more to follow -- as part of what the U.S. military describes as a mission of delivering humanitarian aid to Afghanistan."

[TrogL]

2. This is part of the "great game" - Caspian oil wars

Which surprises me, because last I heard the whole thing was called off because a lot of the exploration was showing dud wells.

I'd post the whole history, but Diebold blew up my website and I haven't gotten around to recovering from backup.