Uyghurs Without Borders? - Foreign Military Studies Office - U.S. Army

While the government closely watches organizations with ties to extremist groups, itworks with those who are willing to work within the system. One high profile example wherethis is evident is the current Prime Minister, Karim Masimov. He is an ethnic Uyghur who rosethrough the ranks to his current position. 39Masimov has not overtly demonstrated through hiscareer that he favors Uyghurs, as it is likely he came into the position as a result of personalconnections. 40However, it is possible that his position allows him to quietly advocate for hiskin in Kazakhstan. Certainly, someone or some entity within the government allowed the fewthousand Uyghurs to gather and demonstrate in Almaty against the treatment of their kin inXinjiang over the July 2009 Riots.Assessment: Why the Integration Level is ImportantThe economic and social status of Uyghurs in Kazakhstan may not always be ideal. Theyhave been economically marginalized by greater Kazakh-Chinese economic interests and Uyghuradvocacy groups are under close scrutiny, particularly those with evident or even perceived tiesto terrorist groups. The economic and security relationship developing between Kazakhstan andChina is such that they will take necessary actions to maintain stability, particularly preventingterrorism and keeping the border open for trade. However, these Uyghurs have found ways tomaintain economic and social opportunities, most importantly with the support of thegovernment and local communities of Kazakhstan. By having and maintaining this support theydo have a solid enough economic and social status where they can be considered to be anintegrated minority. Their integration helps to lessen their chances of being involved ininterethnic conflict within Kazakhstan and not get involved with extremist groups, particularly12