IN THE far west of China, the Uighur minority shares a language, a religion and a culture with the Muslims of Uzbekistan. They also both chafe under authoritarian governments that do not hesitate to use force to suppress them.
But whereas the latest protests by Muslims in Uzbekistan’s restive Ferghana Valley ended with hundreds dead at the hands of police, China’s leaders have learnt to use gentler means to end periodic Uighur unrest.