Russia Outmaneuvered U.S. Over Air Base, Analysts Say

The U.S. military air base at Manas, outside the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, is scheduled to be shut down this year, a decision that came after the Russian government announced more than $2 billion in aid and loans to the Central Asian country. Tom Lasseter / MCT

From McClatchy Newspapers:

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — When Kyrgyzstan announced last month that it was expelling a U.S. air base after Russia promised it $2 billion-plus in aid and loans, American officials said the decision wasn't final and a U.S. presence was still under discussion.

After the Kyrgyz parliament ratified the accord with near unanimity and the country's Foreign Ministry issued a notice to vacate in 180 days, however, Russia's apparent advance at U.S. expense is almost certain.

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My Comment: On the one hand .... the Kyrgyzstan Government is saying that the Americans must leave the Manas Airbase in 180 days. On the other hand, they then say that American troops can stay in the country.

If I was the Americans, I will have to accept the losses .... and move on. It is hard to work with an ally whose motivation is totally dependent on money. If the Russians want such a government as an ally .... God bless them.