The opposition that overthrew the government in Kyrgyzstan last week has restored law and order in the capital, Bishkek. The tricky business of governing has just begun. Interim leader Roza Otunbayeva said she would renew the American military’s contract for the Manas Air Base, an important supply route for troops in Afghanistan.

Eric McGlinchey is a professor of government and politics at George Mason University. He wrote an op-ed about Kyrgyz politics, which appeared in the New York Times on Saturday.