Russia's Position in the Kyrgyz-Uzbek Border Dispute

Tensions between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan increased again when three Uzbek citizens were taken hostage in Kyrgyzstan's Batken province on Jan. 21. The incident is an apparent reprisal for the taking of Kyrgyz hostages on Jan. 5 and Jan. 6 in the Uzbek enclave of Sox in the Batken province. Kyrgyz officials closed the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border following the first kidnapping.

Talks have stalled between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan on reopening the border, indicating that this could remain a prolonged source of tension and potential conflict between the two countries. A key player to watch in this conflict is Russia, which has an interest in keeping these countries divided, although these tensions could erupt into a conflict involving greater violence and possible military action.