MORE VIOLENCE IN KYRGYZSTAN, with the government looking as if it’s on the way out.

UPDATE: More action:

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – President Askar Akayev and his family left Kyrgyzstan’s capital by helicopter Thursday evening, the Interfax news agency reported, hours after protesters seized government headquarters in Bishkek and claimed control of state broadcasting facilities.

The report, which cited unspecified sources and could not immediately be confirmed, said the helicopter was headed toward Kazakhstan.

Stay tuned.

ANOTHER UPDATE: Tim Russo is pessimistic about the outcome, regardless. He doubts that there will be sufficient engagement by Western nations to promote a real democracy. Judging by the limited attention this is getting outside the blogosphere, he may be right.