... in response to Pleading for a 'stan report (Uzbekistan), posted by Colonialjd on Oct 17, 2001It depends of what kind of women you are talking about, the Uzbek or Russian, obviously two different people. The Uzbeks are about 88% and the Russians live only in the large cities, especially in Tashkent. It's a special situation and requires more research on your part than simply reading some articles here. (I may post a comprehensive info later about it since at this point it's in my attention and my focus.) After all my research this city may be the best source of what some here are looking for, it certainly is for me at this point, it's like going farther back in time even compared with "European" Russia and Ukraine in terms of well-kept family values and integrity, while at the same time some ladies here are extremely well educated as there is a very rich Russian culture hub and community, closely-knit. A veritable oasis. Here one can find real gems. Unexplored teritory in many ways. A more complex and difficult world to understand. More dangerous in some ways. The price is higher though, distance, knowledge of Russian very important. The ladies are much sweeter, nicer and much more willing to get out. It's a different mindset and culture, totally different in some ways from Moscow or St. Peter, more laid-back, very much influenced and transformed by the Far-Eastern mentality and life. It's like comparing New York to ... I wanted to say Phoenix, Az, but it's not a good parallel, one can't find a good comparison, Tashkent is too different.
Don't expect the US military to come home with women from the place. They are totally isolated from each other, all military instalations are incredibly guarded in utmost secret, the present security is at the level KGB was way back. In some ways it's almost like being during the cold war, yet so different. And not as bad as it seems.
Russians have absolutely equal rights to the Uzbeks and a lot of freedom, yet it's still a Muslim state, however more tolerant.
But still not much explored but worth it. Perhaps one of the best and most well kept treasure for some.
In yesterday's New York Post there is this interesting article:
(it's at: http://www.nypost.com/seven/10152001/news/worldnews/31810.htm)
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UZBEKS AIDED CIA AFTER '98 BOMBINGS
Post Wire Services
October 15, 2001 -- The CIA secretly teamed up with the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan more than two years ago to try to undermine the Taliban and terror thug Osama bin Laden, it was reported yesterday.
The vital covert alliance began after the terror attacks on the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998 - when President Bill Clinton secretly authorized the CIA to try to thwart bin Laden further, The Washington Post said.
Last year's attack on the USS Cole in Yemen further strengthened the spy pact, the paper said.
"Our cooperation began long before the events of Sept. 11," acknowledged Rustam Jumaev, spokesman for Uzbek President Islam Karimov.
The significant joint military and intelligence efforts began "two or three years" ago, he said.
U.S. Special Forces began working more brazenly with the Uzbek military on training missions more than a year ago.
The newly uncovered revelations help explain what has been a surprisingly cozy relationship between the United States and Uzbekistan since the Sept. 11 attacks.
Most recently, under a joint agreement between the countries publicly announced Friday, U.S. troops will be allowed to operate from an Uzbek air base while America helps protect the nation's northern border with Afghanistan.
That follows the placement of more than 1,000 U.S. troops from the New York-based 10th Mountain Division in Uzbekistan - with the promise of at least 1,000 more to come.
Uzbekistan is about the size of California and shares an 85-mile border with Afghanistan, making it perfect as a launching pad for anti-Taliban activities by the United States.
