The Central Asian states, predominantly run by near despots who came up from ranks of old Soviet regimes, see wealth of opportunity of being viewed as supportive of Beijing. Trade deals, millions of dollars in potential investment and one plus billion potential consumers can do a lot to turn a fellows head. Being less than vocal in supporting Uygur is a small investment indeed for expected returns.

The "Great Game" of 19th and early 20th centuries that was played out between Russia and Britain over Central Asia and north western China is back on and being joined by likes of United States, China, India and some European countries including Turkey. Each is trying for an economic and/or military presence. The Central Asians are falling over themselves in accommodation, hedging bets each way and that all for sake of almighty dollar, yuan or ruble.

One of articles I mention ( “Uyghurs offended at newspaper slur” Institute of War and Peace Reporting 23/1/04) cite, among other things, reports how a Kazakhstan newspaper essentially branded 50,000 - 200,000 plus Uygurs (depending on whose figures you believe) living in Kazakhstan as terrorists and trouble makers. This is not a new story though it has not been as publicly stated before. In Uzbekistan for example there have been rumblings against Uygur residents there for some time. The publication of this article, however, does mark a watershed for Uygur.

Whilst Kazakhstan Interior Minister distances his government from opinions expressed in news article one can not help thinking back to early rumblings against another ethnic group. Not that one expects a "final solution" to Uygur question but outcome could be less than pleasant for Uygur in Xinjiang and of Cental Asia generally if they continue to remain friendless in world.

The Uygur truly are in an unenviable position. Alone in world, championed by no one and now sold out by their brothers for 12 pieces of silver. It is hoped that they are happy with money and do not want to take a part in execution.

Step #4 - Edit Mode

In this stage you can now format article, spell check, order, and replace or modify content. Organise your paragraphs and get layout and presentation correct.

This is where you proofread and check your grammar, turning raw material from step 3 into a product resembling finished article.

Editing probably takes more time than any other stage in writing.

Be prepared to spend time going over material to get it just right.

Step #5 - Polish Mode

At this point, your article is free of spelling mistakes, it is formatted correctly, content is ordered and it flows in a logical sequence.

However, it needs polishing to improve its "readability".

The way to do this is to take it and read it out loud.

The objective is to discover "flow" or "tone and rhythm"

Flow is like an elephant - difficult to describe, but easy to recognise. Just as you listen to music or a poem and identify rhythm, you should "listen" for rhythm of your written work as you read it out loud.

Using one word instead of another or changing order of words can make a huge difference in "tone and rhythm" of an entire sentence or paragraph. In turn, this affects readability of entire article.

This is what makes difference between words people read and words people feel they HAVE to read.

Your aim is to write content using "flow" from words, tone, and rhythm that make people feel they have to read everything you write.

Think of it as compelling writing.

Step #6 - Submit For Publication

Once your article is ready you must submit it to as many publishers as will put it on "paper" for their readers.

This is heart of article publicity generating machine.

You can submit articles manually or automate process to an extent using software such a ezine announcer.

The process is same in either case.

* Find publishers by using directories on Internet * Send them written piece with a short cover asking them to publish * Ensure your resource box with appropriate contact details is prominent at bottom of published piece.

Remember you cannot over submit your writing - get it published as often and as widely as you can.

Step #7 - Start Again

Even though a written and published article will give you f'ree publicity, you must publish frequently and to an equally high standard in order to build a reputation as an author or expert in your field.

Start selecting a new topic and doing research for your next article even as your current one is hitting publishers' pages. ------------------------------------------------------------ Use these 7 steps and writing will become something you enjoy rather than a chore. ------------------------------------------------------------