With the Interpol searching the world for Rakhat Aliyev, the Kazakh Presidential son-in-law, on (politically-motivated) charges of kidnapping, political commentators are quick to draw parallels to governmental nepotism in neighboring Kyrgyzstan. (If you need some backgrounder, scroll down for links.)
Andrey Chebotarev from the Kazakh “Alternative” think-tank claims:
“We’re currently seeing a wave in authoritarianism; unlike in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan has a voluntary struggle against nepotism that without [pressure from] the opposition, would hardly be possible.”
Chebotarev points out how after “Matryoshka-gate,” Zhanysha Bakiyev was removed from office following heavy opposition criticism. Political scientist Eduard Poletayev takes this a step further, with the notion that Kyrgyz are generally less tolerant than Kazakhs. He teases out some differences in society that I believe are a by-product of relative societal stability and opportunity and resultant frustration.
Given this [relative intolerance], the fight against nepotism is more public and open; unlike in Kazakhstan, the process involves many more people like journalists, human rights activists and other members of civil society. In Kazakhstan, unfortunately, this fight is happening without the participation of the wider population, because the politicization of Kazakh elite is much lower and societal tolerance towards inter-elite infighting is much higher.
He cites the total lack of discussion or protest after Kazakhstan’s recent constitutional amendments, (which included allowing President Nazarbayev indefinite terms in office) save the protest and immediate arrest of one journalist, Sergei Duvanov.
In what’s definitely one of the more complicated stories recently, there’s good background on the Aliyev’s backstory here and here.
Chebotarev claims that Aliyev is likely to seek refuge with Lebanese relatives (related through his mother’s sister, apparently), but the interview fails to mention where they are. According to this report from the Financial Times, Aliyev has already declared through his spokesperson he’s not going to return to Kazakhstan to battle what he’s called a rising “totalitarianism.”
“Mr Aliyev wants to stay in Vienna and has not ruled out the possibility of asking the Austrian government for political asylum. Mr Aliyev understands it makes no sense to fight the mighty Kazakh regime. His priority now is to ensure the safety of his children and to stay in Vienna”.
In the midst of all of this, you’ve got to feel sorry for Dariga Nazarbayeva, the President’s daughter and Aliyev’s wife, herself a Parliament member and rumoredly a Presidential candidate. It’s been raised before on Registan, I think, but there’s a good soap opera in this whole saga. You’d probably have to cut out some of the extreme violence and profanity to appeal to broader sensibilities though.
Further developments :
3 Comments
May 30, 2007 at 10:18 am
Dear Teo,
This is fascinating about the Lebanese relatives connection-thank you for bringing this portion forward. I have never considered Mr. Aliev a figure for whom much sympathy should be spent, and his discussion of democracy seems a little facile given his role as blunt instrument in Kazakhstan’s politics–at least, this is what I have always seen in his actions as portrayed in years of press coverage. If you have a chance, please shed some insight on this question, as I find it all very fascinating.
June 3, 2007 at 1:28 am
Aliyev Arrested, Urges Austria Not To Extradite Him “Aliev told the Austrian magazine “Profil,” in an article to be published on June 4, that his “life and the lives of my family are endangered” back in Kazakhstan.”
June 9, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Rahat , you are good man! i will always vote for you!