Most of you know how fascinating I found Central Asia on my last trip but it’s not often in the U.S. news. I see today that Reuters is reporting that the U.S. military base in Kyrgyzstan will probably be shut down. First Uzbekistan kicks the U.S. out, now Kyrgyzstan. The U.S. presence in Kyrgyzstan certainly did me no good when I was looking for a doctor after my car accident. Still, I think it’s interesting how many U.S. military bases there are around the world and that the average American citizen has no idea they exist.
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6 responses to “Kyrgyzstan May Kick the U.S. Out”
It wasn’t until I traveled that I realized the U.S. has military bases around the world and I still wonder why we “really” do. The U.S. certainly doesn’t advertise we have bases everywhere, so it’s no wonder most don’t know of them.
Can you imagine if Germany (or Kyrgyzstan!) wanted to build a base in the U.S.? I think the American public is aware of military presence where we once had wars (Korea, Germany) but not others.
I was stationed at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan winter 05-06. They were talking about closing it down then, interesting to see if they will do it or not now. I came across your blog awhile ago, but recently found it again. Just wanted to say thanks and that your posts are helping me plan my RTW leaving Aug of this year.
Mark
Interesting. I was in Kyrgyzstan in ’06, maybe while you were there. I saw absolutely no US presence in Bishkek aside from the embassy which was far out of town and a few embassy workers at a pub in the center.
Let me know if you need help planning your RTW. If you are going to Central Asia, China (or much of the world) I would not mention in any way your previous employment or you might have a hard time getting visas.
I’ve never understood why the U.S. has such a military presence around the globe. The economy is in shambles. Let some other country be self-appointed protector of the world.
Rob
Realistically it’s all about access and power. I really wish we would take care of ourselves first though!