kyrgyzstan

In the summer of 2000, Tommy Caldwell, Beth Rodden, Jason Smith, and John Dickey went rock climbing in Kyrgyzstan. The oldest was 25. Asleep in their portaledges high on the Yellow Wall in the Pamir-Alai Mountains, they awoke at daybreak to gunfire. Kidnapped by fanatical Islamic militants linked to Al Qaeda, they were used as human shields for ransom. The fanatical Islamic militants hid the climbers by day and marched them by night through freezing, treacherous mountain terrain, with little food and no clean water, and under the constant threat of execution. Their will to survive was their most important asset and led to the climatic decision that gained their freedom.

Maps and text chronicle the history of the former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan, one of the five countries of central Asia.

Examines the growth and influence of Islam in Kyrgyzstan, discussing the key economic and political issues facing the country in the early twenty-first century, and including information on Kyrgyzstan's geography, history, people, cities and communities, and foreign relations.

An examination of the geography, history, government, economy, culture, and peoples of Kyrgyzstan.

Describes the history, development, current status, and possible future of the four former Soviet republics which have strong ties to neighboring Muslim states.

Discusses the history, topography, ethnic mixture, politics, economics, and future of the former Soviet republic.