On Tuesday February 3^rd, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev of Kyrgyzstan announced from Moscow his plan to close a US air base located in his country. The Pentagon press secretary described the base, the only one in Central Asia, as “hugely important” to US operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, NATO called the site “vital” to its efforts there. President Bakiyev cited economic reasons for the decision, accusing the US of not paying Kyrgyzstan enough money for the use of the base. Russian President Dmitri A. Medvedev announced that Russia would give Kyrgyzsatn two billion dollars in loans, adding to their large Russian debt, and $150 million in aid. Kyrgyz officials deny any link between the Russian aid package and the decision to close down the base, which has long been a source of worry for the Russians due to the presence of American troops. The choice to close the base comes at a critical time for the US, as President Obama has pledged a strong increase in the number of American troops in Afghanistan.

New York Times

BBC