The Vote on Manas

Despite reports suggesting the issue might be delayed, the Kyrgyzstan Parliament has voted 78-1 to close the Manas Air Base. The US will have six months to withdraw under the terms of the basing agreement.

The US is understood to be exploring possible agreements with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan for logistial support for the Afghan War. The US withdrew previous facilities in Uzbekistan to protest an internal Uzbek crackdown. Russia is perceived as having pressured Kyrgyzstan to close the base, despite Russian concerns about radical Islamic movements on its southern borders.

Expect a lot of maneuvering in the wake of this move: there are already complaints in the US about prospects for renewed cooperation with the Uzbek regime.