Tajikistan security tightens as regime asserts control

Significance

The attacks may be unofficially linked with the beating of a Tajikistani student in Vahdat and the August 28 banning of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT). The clashes come amid a wider clampdown on any forms of opposition to President Emomali Rahmon and increase concerns for stability in the Central Asian nation.

Impacts

• Tajikistan has drawn much closer to Russia and China, and Dushanbe will have to continue to balance its foreign relations.
• Limiting political activity may backfire as the regime eliminates one of the few channels for dissent available to disaffected youth.
• The crackdown on NGOs will limit an outlet for ambitious young people and professionals who may leave Tajikistan.