Kyrgyzstan: The Next Democratic Domino

After weeks of pro-democracy demonstrations in Kyrgyzstan, protestors stormed the presidential compund in the capital, Bishkek, and seem to have gained control of the building. It appears that pressure is mounting for President Askar Akayev to step down. (For all those who don't know where Kyrgyzstan is - I had to look it up the other day - the country borders Uzbekistan, China, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Obviously the people are not oblivious to recent democratic event in the Ukraine, Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Protesters stormed the presidential compound in Kyrgyzstan on Thursday, seizing control of the symbol of power after clashing with riot police who had surrounded it during a large opposition rally. The defense minister was led out of the building by demonstrators...Protesters, who appeared to control the building, threw papers and portraits of President Askar Akayev out of windows. It was unclear where he was.

Meanwhile, Registan says that Uzbek opposition parties are supportive but warned against increased repression:

Exiled leaders of the two main Uzbek opposition parties, Erk (Freedom) and Birlik (Unity), have offered enthusiastic support to the opposition movement in Kyrgyzstan in media statements, but warned that it could lead to increased repression in Uzbekistan.

“After the Georgian and Ukrainian colour revolutions Uzbek opposition and international NGOs have been the target of a government clampdown. No matter what the outcome of events in Kyrgyzstan, the Uzbek government will use it as an excuse to take even tougher measures against any dissent in the country,” an independent local political analyst told IRIN, on condition of anonymity.

Gateway Pundit and Publius Pundit have more on the story.

*Update*
It looks like President Akayev has resigned and may have fled the country. What hath Bush created?!?!