The Shanghai Cooperation Organization—the Russia-China led group that includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—now may see itself growing into an organization to rival NATO, reports the Christian Science Monitor. This was the group that, in June, caused a ripple when it demanded a timetable for withdrawal of US military forces from several bases in Central Asia. At its behest, Uzbekistan kicked American troops out of K-2. (DR, 08/30/05) Kyrgyzstan ignored the urging, though, opting instead for more American money. (DR, 10/13/05) With that kind of “go your own way” approach, the group sounds almost like NATO now.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.