Recently, it seems that former Soviet republics and satellites, such as the Ukraine and Georgia , are undergoing revolutionary changes. These states have had disputed elections and general discontent with the local government overturned by popular sentiment. The question is: is the case of Kyrgyzstan yet another case of a velvet revolution or is it case of state failure and confusion? The former President of Kyrgyzstan, Askar Akayev , has fled the country with his family after protesters overran the government headquarters in Bishkek. Protesters were angry over parliamentary elections in February that they saw as rigged and corrupt.

Currently, opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Ishenbai Kadyrbekov (see photo; second from left) has been named Interim President, and there is talk about Presidential elections on June 26. However, many feel that is too soon to hold elections due to the current confusion. And confusion it is. Rival Parliamentarians are meeting in the country to see who has the right to be in the interim government. It can be a slippery slope into failed state or even anarchy, but if calm prevails it is likely that a fairly elected government could be put into place.