Zamir Karajanov
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Closure of opposition party and move against major civil society group suggest Kazak leadership is keen to shore up power following events in Ukraine.
Fears of a Ukraine-style “velvet revolution” begin to grow in neighbouring Kazakstan.
In a high-profile court case, a former minister turns the tables by claiming that Kazakstan’s ruling elite controls the media.
Regional leaders join China and Russia in stressing the need for US bases to close, and for external forces to stop meddling.
Experts predict “small revolution” if Kazakstan gets the top position in the European grouping in 2009.
A spate of extremist attacks in the CIS region prompts Astana to crackdown on illegal migration.
A proposal to widen the powers of Kazakstan’s police force is leading to fears of a return to the Soviet era.