For those of you who have never heard of the Post-Soviet Republic of Uzbekistan, let me explain.  Somewhere west of China, south of Russia, and north of Afghanistan lies the former Soviet Republic of Uzbekistan, now a proud independent country.  Not only has Uzbekistan embarked on an uneven and often brutal nation-building process, but since 2017, this cotton-growing nation of more than 30 million people has begun a top-to-bottom cultural revolution that should excite Americans.  In this region where more than a century of Russian rule has left an indelible legacy, Uzbekistan is trying to position itself as a country of the future.  Our guest, Mark Reese, has 30 years of experience there and may have a few tales from his travels and work in Uzbekistan.