Advocates of media freedom and human rights say conditions are getting worse under Uzbek President Islam Karimov’s authoritarian rule. The last international monitor, Human Rights Watch, was evicted last year.
Nevertheless, due to geopolitical considerations, the United States has improved relations with, and restored military aid to Uzbekistan.
Host David Reed explored the ethical dilemma over Uzbekistan, one of the world’s most repressive regimes. He was joined by Justin Burke and Joshua Foust.
Justin Burke is the managing editor of a news website that covers Central Asian affairs, EurasiaNet.
Joshua Foust is a Fellow at the American Security Project, a contributor to The Atlantic and a columnist for PBS’ Need to Know.
