Kyrgyzstan: US Armed Forces Try to Win Hearts and Minds

I think it is a tragedy that the airmen and soldiers on Manas Air Base are forbidden to leave the base for "security" reasons. If we want to generate good will, let people get out and interact with the citizens of Kyrgyzstan. The Russians are not locked up like terrified cattle on their bases. We are REALLY stupid to think that official visits to hand out toys and to offer "assistance" on public works projects are going to convince the citizens of Kyrgyzstan that we are trustworthy.

let them behave NOT like "cowboys" and maybe we will let them out ...

kyrgyz woman

Jill wrote:

let them behave NOT like "cowboys" and maybe we will let them out ...
kyrgyz woman

I hope they don't act like that. That would be bad.

they did thats why we cut off their little tails... he he he ....

Man I've been thinking about going to visit kyrgyzstan but the more I read, the more I'm afraid I will die if I go.

Jason wrote:

Man I've been thinking about going to visit kyrgyzstan but the more I read, the more I'm afraid I will die if I go.

You should go. It's a beautiful country!

Been there twice myself.

Hey Jill!
You have a point there! I've seen some pretty stupid behavior on the part of Americans. Both inside and outside of the US.
But then again, I've seen some pretty stupid behavior on the part of Germans, French, Koreans, Thais, Italians, Russians, Afghans, Kuwaitis, and Mexicans.
There are good people and bad people where ever you go.
Why can't we all just get along?
Hey Jason!
Go! Just be careful! The American GI cowboys are locked up, but the Uzbek (and other) Islamic extremists are not.

Jason wrote:

Man I've been thinking about going to visit kyrgyzstan but the more I read, the more I'm afraid I will die if I go.

Why are you afraid of dying?

hey Keith,
sorry mate, you r right.
There are bad and good everywhere, better not to put spot light on one nation in whole ...may get ugly.

Jason, you should go and visit Kyrgyzstan, it is a beautiful country, nice people, fresh air and lovely lake, just dont walk alone at night and ignore such hard core cynics as myself... good luck.:)

In is good that the US troops can only stay at the base because if they were let out, the US troops may get drunk before an emergency mission and they may cause problems with diplomacy between the US and the Kyrgyz Republic.

Adventure-Dude wrote:

<quoted text>
You should go. It's a beautiful country!
Been there twice myself.

My sis lives in Durango with her family. I have been to Durango and just loved it - beautiful nature just like in Kyrgyzstan, hot springs, very friendly people and many more to enjoy.

Guest wrote:

<quoted text>
My sis lives in Durango with her family. I have been to Durango and just loved it - beautiful nature just like in Kyrgyzstan, hot springs, very friendly people and many more to enjoy.

Is your sister from KG?

Yes some parts of Durango are similar to the Ala Archa area in KG. I haven't been to any hot springs in KG though. Maybe in the fall, hopefully we will be able to go to KG and check out the hot springs.

Adventure-Dude wrote:

<quoted text>
Is your sister from KG?
Yes some parts of Durango are similar to the Ala Archa area in KG. I haven't been to any hot springs in KG though. Maybe in the fall, hopefully we will be able to go to KG and check out the hot springs.

Yes, she is. He husband is italian american. They have got two kids :-)
As I remember there are hot springs in Issyk-Ata.
My personal opinion - the best landscapes are in Naryn district, near Tian-Shan mountains, where Kyrgyzstan boarded with China.

WHY DO PEOPLE DISTRUST AMERICANS?

Better would be if Americans honestly introspected, found the answers and then tried to address the issues that mar their image.
There is a history of American Soldiers 'transforming' impoverished, but perfectly decent townships and areas into swanky brothels and dance bars for their carnal pleasures.
Just for a moment assume we were not the superpower, say China was. Chinese soldiers 'demand' defence bases and air men presence in the name of fighting terrorism.......threw Yuans at our poor economy and within a few years turned New York, Ca and Miami into Patpong type Thailand areas and our economy became dependent on Sex tourism!

Would we love the Chinese? Yes, we would clutch onto every Yuan that came our way but would we love them? Forget it!!!

If American soldiers would retain a respect to people they meet next to their bases and would be punished for deaths they caused they would be allowed to go out. I hope it is dangerous for them, since they killed a local and get away easily without any minor punishment. This "small" incindent shows real attitude of American military to local nations and they can not expect good attitude from patriots of their lands.

Guest wrote:

<quoted text>
Yes, she is. He husband is italian american. They have got two kids :-)
As I remember there are hot springs in Issyk-Ata.
My personal opinion - the best landscapes are in Naryn district, near Tian-Shan mountains, where Kyrgyzstan boarded with China.

Is she from Bishkek? If so I think we may know her (my wife and I). That would be crazy (if true).

I haven't been to the Naryn region but have seen pictures. I am in total agreement!

I'll have to see if my wife has been there.

Thanks

Adventure-Dude wrote:

<quoted text>
Is she from Bishkek? If so I think we may know her (my wife and I). That would be crazy (if true).
I haven't been to the Naryn region but have seen pictures. I am in total agreement!
I'll have to see if my wife has been there.
Thanks

Yes, she is :-)

Adventure-Dude wrote:

<quoted text>
Is she from Bishkek? If so I think we may know her (my wife and I). That would be crazy (if true).
I haven't been to the Naryn region but have seen pictures. I am in total agreement!
I'll have to see if my wife has been there.
Thanks

Yes, she is :-)

Guest wrote:

<quoted text>
Yes, she is :-)

I am pretty sure I know your sister.

Talked to my wife and she hadn't been to Issyk-Ata.

You can ask your sister about us (if you like). My wife is also from Bishkek. She came to our engagement party. That should be enough information for her to know who you are talking about.

Too funny.

Kyrgyz people are one of the worst in this world.those from south are exclusion