A Resistance to Reform in Uzbekistan

Powerful clan and political factions have complicated Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's efforts thus far to change some of the country's political and economic policies. Pressure from the country's security services, headed by clan rival Rustam Inoyatov, forced the new president to reverse a visa liberalization policy announced Jan. 9, for instance. The extent to which Mirziyoyev, who has served as president since longtime leader Islam Karimov died in September, can implement further reforms will depend on his being able to balance the country's more conservative power factions....