A Blog by the Editor of The Middle East Journal

Putting Middle Eastern Events in Cultural and Historical Context

Monday, June 29, 2009

Manas Airbase Extension

Remember how the Kyrgyz government had ordered the US out of Manas Airbase in Bishkek? Earlier postings on the subject are here. Back in February Parliament voted 78-1 against the base and gave us six months to leave.

Well, never mind. Last Thursday the Kyrgyz Parliament ratified a new extension agreement, which still needs to be signed by the President.

Oh, yes: the US payment has gone from $17.4 million a year to $60 million a year. I guess that tells us what this dispute was really about all along.

No comments: