David Lewis, the Central Asia project director of the International Crisis Group, discussed the current political, economic, and social situation in Uzbekistan, where the government has been intransigent in the face of growing popular discontent.
Human rights and living conditions continue to deteriorate; the Uzbek government has for several years maintained rigid control over the country's economy, while at the same time drastically curtailing individual liberties. The international community, including foreign governments and lending institutions, has exerted pressure on Uzbekistan to reform, but such efforts have been unsuccessful to date.