The Central Asian country of Uzbekistan has been independent for five years, and during most of that time has been governed by Soviet-style leaders whose repressive policies and dismal human rights record have engendered widespread hostility in the West. But Uzbekistan is now experiencing a thaw...some political prisoners have been released and the human rights situation seems to be improving overall. Critics say its merely window dressing to win western approval and investment in Uzbekistan; others say its a genuine effort at reform. NPR's Mike Shuster reports.
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