History of Islam Karimov

Islam Karimov, born on January 30, 1938, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (then part of the Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union), was a significant political figure who played a pivotal role in the establishment and governance of Uzbekistan as an independent nation following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. His presidency spanned 25 years, from 1991 until his death in 2016, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the post-Soviet space.

**Early Life and Career**

Karimov was born into a working-class family and faced hardships in his early life, growing up in an orphanage. Despite these challenges, he excelled academically and attended the Central Asian Polytechnic Institute, where he graduated with an engineering degree. He later studied at the Tashkent Institute of National Economy, earning a degree in economics. Karimov's educational background in both engineering and economics would later inform his approach to governance and economic policy.

His career in politics began within the Soviet system. Karimov joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) in 1964, starting his ascent through the party ranks. His technical expertise, coupled with his party loyalty, helped him secure various economic planning positions. By 1983, he became the Minister of Finance of the Uzbek SSR, and later, in 1986, the Deputy Chairman of the Uzbek State Planning Committee.

**Rise to Power**

Karimov's significant rise to political prominence occurred in 1989 when he was appointed First Secretary of the Communist Party of Uzbekistan. This position made him the de facto leader of the Uzbek SSR. His appointment came during a period of immense political and social upheaval as the Soviet Union was experiencing reforms under Mikhail Gorbachev’s policies of Perestroika and Glasnost.

In 1990, as nationalist movements were gaining momentum across the Soviet Union, Karimov became the Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Uzbek SSR. In this role, he was instrumental in navigating Uzbekistan’s path toward sovereignty. On August 31, 1991, in the wake of the failed coup against Gorbachev and amid the fast-unraveling Soviet Union, Uzbekistan declared its independence, with Karimov elected as the country's first President in an uncontested election.

**Presidency and Policies**

Islam Karimov's presidency was marked by efforts to maintain stability in a region fraught with ethnic diversity and potential for conflict. His governance style was characterized by strong centralization of power and an emphasis on internal security, reflecting his desire to avoid the chaos seen in other parts of the former Soviet Union.

Politically, Karimov established a one-party dominant system where the opposition was marginalized, and dissent was suppressed. He justified his authoritarian measures as necessary for maintaining order and fostering a sense of national unity. International observers often criticized his administration for human rights abuses, including restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly, and the press.

Economically, Karimov pursued a gradualist approach to reform. Unlike other former Soviet republics that embraced rapid privatization and economic liberalization, Uzbekistan under Karimov opted for a controlled and incremental transition to a market economy. He aimed to avoid the shock therapy that led to severe economic dislocation in places like Russia. While this approach resulted in slower economic transformation, it provided a degree of stability and avoided the acute hardships experienced by many post-Soviet states.

**Foreign Policy**

Karimov’s foreign policy was characterized by a delicate balancing act. Initially, Uzbekistan maintained close ties with Russia, reflecting the historical and economic linkages from the Soviet era. However, Karimov was wary of Russian dominance and sought to assert Uzbekistan's sovereignty on the international stage.

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Karimov aligned Uzbekistan more closely with the United States, allowing American troops to use Uzbek bases for operations in Afghanistan. This alignment was part of a broader move to diversify Uzbekistan's international partnerships, including increasing engagement with China, Western nations, and regional powers in Asia.

**Legacy and Death**

Islam Karimov's death on September 2, 2016, marked the end of an era in Uzbek politics. His legacy is complex and remains the subject of significant debate. Supporters credit him with maintaining stability and fostering a sense of national identity in a newly independent country. Critics, however, emphasize his authoritarian rule and the suppression of political freedoms.

Under Karimov, Uzbekistan managed to avoid the ethnic warfare and economic collapse seen in some other post-Soviet states. However, the lack of political pluralism and the entrenched system of governance he left behind posed challenges for his successors in terms of political reform and modernization.

In conclusion, Islam Karimov was a central figure in Uzbekistan's transition from a Soviet republic to an independent nation. His leadership style and policies were shaped by the tumultuous historical context of post-Soviet transformation, and his impact continues to influence Uzbekistan's political and social landscape.