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Analysts: Central Asian States Must Learn From IS-Linked Citizens

Rikar Hussein

   The recent attempt by Central Asian states to bring home dozens of
   their citizens who joined the Islamic State terror group in Iraq and
   Syria has renewed the debate over the root causes of extremism in the
   region.

   Some experts say the countries need to do more to dissuade their
   citizens from traveling abroad to fight for violent militant groups.

   Last month, former Soviet states began a repatriation process for
   hundreds of their citizens. Kazakhstan brought home 231 nationals;
   Uzbekistan retrieved 156; and Tajikistan returned 84. Authorities said
   the majority of those repatriated are children and women, and the
   process will continue to bring home hundreds of others stranded in
   Syria and Iraq.

   Daniel Balson, Amnesty International's advocacy director of Europe and
   Central Asia, told VOA the rights watchdog is keeping a close eye to
   ensure that the rights of women and children are respected. He said
   arbitrary detention and violations of religious freedom represent a
   common challenge across Central Asia. As such, many of their citizens
   view government measures as furthering repression, not fighting
   extremism.

   "Amnesty International has long highlighted the mistreatment of family
   members with real or perceived ties to the so-called Islamic State, and
   condemned any forms of collective punishment against them," said
   Balson.

   Governments across the region are criticized by rights organization for
   what they call stringent limits on religious practices. Many
   governments across the region retain tight control over who can become
   a religious leader. Congregations often must undergo burdensome
   registration processes. Additionally, religious materials and practices
   such as wearing the hijab are frequently banned or censored.

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