Playing host to a gathering of this type is a feather in the cap of Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan's dictator since its birth in 1991, but it is turning into an embarrassment for the bank.

ECONOMIST: Uzbekistan

It has a tricky relationship with Uzbekistan, whose dictator, Islam Karimov, has cracked down heavily on Islamic militants.

ECONOMIST: A proliferation of revolutions

And in Uzbekistan, the historic centerpiece of Central Asia and its most densely populated market, Coke teamed up with a son-in-law of strongman President Islam Karimov--and came to regret it.

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Its president, Islam Karimov, agreed to the use of his country as a transit route for non-lethal supplies, and might offer America other facilities if Manas does indeed close.

ECONOMIST: No easy routes into Afghanistan

Uzbekistan's president, Islam Karimov, who did not take part in the Bishkek meeting, appears to be seeking a different solution to the problem of Afghanistan: he is now trying to establish friendly relations with the Taliban.

ECONOMIST: Central Asia