A Resistance to Reform in Uzbekistan

A month into his first official term, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has found his efforts to change some of the country's policies thwarted by rivalries among powerful clans and political factions. Pressure from Uzbekistan's security services, headed by clan rival Rustam Inoyatov, has already forced the new president to reverse a visa liberalization policy announced on Jan. 9. The extent to which Mirziyoyev, who has served as president since longtime leader Islam Karimov died in September, can implement reforms will depend on his ability to balance the country's more conservative power bases.