Is Kazakhstan treading the Libyan Path?

Ebu Masum Mucahit

(Translated from Turkish by Mohammad Nadimur Rahman)

For days now, protesters in Kazakhstan continue to demonstrate a hot protest triggered by a fuel hike. Although the fuel price hike has been withdrawn for one year, protests continue, and protesters do not intend to shield their swords soon. Consequent to the protest, the government resigned, and all the powers of the former president were taken. In fact, the president allegedly fled to either China or Russia with his family. However, the report has been denied.

So, what is the reason behind these demonstrations in Kazakhstan? Some sources argue that the new president may have orchestrated such a conspiracy to appropriate full power. Whatever the case is, however, we know for sure that the Kazakhstan citizens are the sole victims of whatever crisis springs out of the unusual process. Like it has happened in some other Muslim countries, the masses pay the price of crises.  

The form and timing of the anti-government demonstrations turned riot in Almata point to the fact that it is nothing but an engineered revolution. But then, who has got hands in it? Is it Russia that has an eye on the Northern territory of Kazakhstan? Or, on the other hand, could it be France and the USA? The duo that is uncomfortable with the formation of the Organization of Turkic States, the novel international cooperation in which establishment Kazakhstan played vital roles. It can also be China, the power with the Silk Road project dream? Alternatively, it may just be Kazakhstan paying the price of buying weapons from Turkey and the USA?

At the moment, some people are distributing weapons and directing the people in the city of Almata. According to a statement released today, 15,000 Russian soldiers will arrive in Almata on Thursday. This development may anger  Kazakhs and lead to more confusion occurring in the country. The protests most likely will continue to escalate against the government. The turmoil will further fuel the appetites of foreign powers that have eyes on the country’s resources.

May God forbid, but we harbour some fears that Kazakhstan could become a new Ukraine. Just last year, Russia claimed that Kazakhstan’s northern lands belonged to Russia, claiming that Russian-speaking people used to stay in those lands. The current president and government reacted very harshly because of this situation. Of course, Russia remained silent. However, who knows whether the “superpower” only wants to grasp these lands silently.

Kazakhstan, the homeland of the Old Turks, is a significant geographical area for the history of Islamic thoughts and scholarship. Once known as Transoxiana, Islam flourished and sprouted in Kazakhstan territories, especially in the 11th century. Great Islamic scholars, thinkers, and mystics were nurtured in Kazakhstan. Thus, Muslims must be vigilant and hold onto this heritage. It is news again that internal chaoses are the best ways enemies penetrate the Muslim lands. Unfortunately, if there is no strong direction in chaoses like this, we may be caught up in some foreign games by mistakes.

Consequently, to not make the present situation escalate and lead Kazakhstan to the path of Libya, Ukraine or even Syria, the people must be very vigilant. May Allah not give the unbelievers chances. May Allah take care of this Ummah, protect Islam and Muslims and make the tricks of the oppressors futile.