Uzbekistan's Internal Power Struggle Intensifies

Uzbekistan has experienced a monthlong series of political and security purges as Uzbek President Islam Karimov struggles to control the country and its competing clans. The purges are Karimov's response to the growing power of Rustam Inoyatov, the head of the country's security services. Inoyatov has systematically weakened Karimov's authority and threatened the positions of other influential clans. The ongoing power struggle between the president and the security services chief could prevent Tashkent from managing potential instability as the country confronts a variety of internal and external challenges.