Analysts have portrayed Kyrgyzstan's decision this week to close the last remaining US air base in Central Asia - vital for operations in Afghanistan - as being the work of the Kremlin.

Moreover, corruption is far less entrenched in Georgia than it is in Kyrgyzstan.

In December 1990, the Supreme Soviet voted to change the republic"s name to the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and subsequently achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

The latest victims of his legacy are the Uzbeks of Kyrgyzstan.

The Tien Shan mountain is an endless region that lies between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyistan and China.