Kulov's Brigades

In Kyrgyzstan, an opposition front founded by former Prime Minister Feliks Kulov has brought thousands of protestors out to demand the resignation of President Kurmanbek Bakiev:

"A crowd estimated to number more than 10,000 people is rallying on Bishkek's central Alatoo Square to demand the resignation of Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev.

"Other protesters are marching toward the square from various parts of the city. Organizers of the protest say Bakiev has not fulfilled promises he made when campaigning for the presidency two years ago and that he appears unwilling or unable to make good on his pledges.

"The opposition United Front For A Worthy Future For Kyrgyzstan and the For Reforms movement says 50,000 people will take to the streets of the Kyrgyz capital.

"Protesters started their march from Jengish (Victory) Square toward Alatoo (Freedom) Square chanting as they walked, 'Bakiev Go! Bakiev Must Go!'"

This follows Bakiev's successful thwarting of last fall's constitutional reform and the continued centralization of power in his own hands. A cynic, of course, might suggest that Kulov's love for democratic reforms manifests itself mainly when he is out of power. You can follow these developments through a correspondent on the ground in Bishkek over at Registan.