Kurmanbek Bakiyev, speaking after talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow, sounded categorical in his decision Photo: GETTY/The Telegraph Analysis: Kyrgyz Base A Kremlin Test For Obama -- AP
MOSCOW (AP) — The Kremlin's message to President Barack Obama is clear: if the U.S. wants Central Asian help in its war against the Taliban, it must deal first with Russia.
A $2 billion aid pledge from Russia appears to be behind Kyrgyzstan's announcement that it will close a U.S. air base that has played a key role in American military operations in Afghanistan.
The announcement Tuesday by the Kyrgyz president came as the Obama Administration prepares a major expansion of military operations in Afghanistan, in order to counter the growing strength of insurgents.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev struck a conciliatory tone Wednesday, saying Moscow and its former Central Asian vassal states are "ready for full-fledged comprehensive cooperation with the United States and other coalition members in fighting terrorism in the region."
But coming a day after the Kyrgyz eviction notice, the underlying signal was that, when it comes to bases in Central Asia, Washington must deal with Moscow or not at all.
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