Uzbekistan's First Presidential Succession

Uzbekistan has entered a new chapter in its history. Media sources in the country reported Monday that after 27 years in office Uzbek President Islam Karimov died of a brain hemorrhage, reinvigorating speculation about who will succeed the country's only president to date. Top contenders for the post include power players such as Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Security Services Chief Rustam Inoyatov and members of Karimov's own family. Given the geographically divided and clan-based nature of Uzbekistan's political system, the succession process could get complicated. But regardless of who takes over the country, its geopolitical importance will remain unchanged....