Recurring Instability in Kazakhstan's Energy-Rich West

An explosion occurred Aug. 4 at a cafe in the western Kazakh town of Zhanaozen, injuring three people, Fergana.Ru news agency reported Aug. 7. While authorities have claimed that a natural gas leak caused the explosion, the incident happened only days after controversial court hearings were held for people involved in riots that occurred in the city in December 2011. Even if the explosion proves to be accidental, the incident draws attention to simmering tensions and possible instability in Zhanaozen and the wider Mangistau region, one of Kazakhstan's main oil-producing areas.