In his detailed analysis, Bakyt Baketaev examined the second episode of the film, in which President Sadyr Japarov discusses the border conflict with Tajikistan and his negotiations with Emomali Rahmon in detail.
The expert noted that the political sphere is rarely purely moral; it is more of an arena of complex compromises and decisions that do not elicit applause. However, it is precisely in such moments, according to Baketaev, that the true strength of a leader is revealed.
A Peace That Did Not Happen
The political scientist pointed out that the absence of a full-scale war between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at the beginning of 2021 is taken for granted, even though the situation was extremely tense.
He noted: "The young president, who had just gained a high level of support among the population, faced a choice — to follow the calls of national pride or to sacrifice personal ambitions for the sake of saving human lives. Sadyr Japarov chose the latter path."
According to Baketaev, the head of state’s decision to negotiate was made "in a bent position" — not in a physical sense, but in a political and psychological sense. Such a step requires not weakness, but inner strength.
Self-Restraint as a Manifestation of Strength
Bakyt Baketaev criticized the widespread political myth that rigidity is synonymous with strength. True strength, in his opinion, is manifested in the ability to control oneself and limit one’s actions.
"This step could have been perceived as weakness both within the country and beyond its borders. Nevertheless, it was aimed at preventing losses among soldiers and escalating the conflict," the political scientist added.
He noted that Emomali Rahmon appreciated this act, which allowed the negotiations to take a more constructive turn. As Baketaev emphasized, this is a rare case where two leaders prioritized long-term stability over short-term political interests.
A Regional Lesson
In his commentary, Baketaev also highlighted the importance of a broader context. He believes that if many modern conflicts were resolved through similar self-restraint, the world could be different. Central Asia, in his view, provides an important philosophical and political lesson.
He specifically noted the significance of the role of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who contributed to reducing tension and fostering dialogue in the region. Baketaev believes that the region is gradually transitioning from a logic of suspicion to a logic of mutual responsibility.
A Peace That Must Be Defended
Nevertheless, Bakyt Baketaev emphasizes that peace is not only about negotiations but also about the ability to defend it. Strengthening Kyrgyzstan's defense capabilities and modernizing the armed forces have become important factors of deterrence.
He also mentioned the support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who provided military-technical assistance to Kyrgyzstan, including the supply of Bayraktar drones. Baketaev recalled that as early as the early 2000s, Sadyr Japarov, while being a deputy, visited Northern Cyprus despite international pressure, and this act did not go unnoticed in Turkey.
Philosophy of the 21st Century
In conclusion, Bakyt Baketaev noted that the leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan demonstrated in critical moments that even the sharpest border conflicts can be resolved in the spirit of the 21st century: through responsibility, maturity, and self-control.
"Peace is not a given state; it must be established," the political scientist emphasized, adding that Central Asia not only avoided war but also took a step towards a new political culture. He believes that this is the main lesson the region can offer to the entire world.
