Blog
Crossroads Asia
Central Asia Continues to Supply Electricity to Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
In recent weeks, both Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have signed agreements with Afghanistan on energy supplies in 2022, despite unplanned outages.
Central Asia Braces for COVID-19 Omicron Wave
By Catherine Putz
With the arrival of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, Central Asia looks to be heading into its fourth wave of pandemic.
A War of Words: Kazakhstan, Terrorists, and Protesters
By Catherine Putz
In a statement, several U.N. special rapporteurs condemned Kazakhstan’s broad use of the term “terrorism.”
Kazakhstan’s New Cabinet Features Many of the Same Ministers
By Paolo Sorbello
There was no radical change in the composition of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s team.
Curious Case of the Kyrgyz Jazzman Detained in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
The bizarre story illustrates a wider set of concerns as the Kazakh government claims to have arrested nearly 8,000 people in the wake of a week of chaos in Kazakhstan.
Former Security Chief Massimov Arrested on Treason Charges in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
A day after being dismissed as head of the KNB, Massimov was arrested. The news sheds additional light on the complex web of politics and violence at play.
The Kazakhstan Crisis: A View From Kyrgyzstan
By Aidai Masylkanova
In supporting the CSTO intervention today in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov is perhaps hoping to secure similar CSTO support for himself in the future.
Kazakhstan’s Tokayev Orders Troops to ‘Shoot to Kill Without Warning’
By Catherine Putz
Tokayev called international urging for the government to negotiate with protesters "idiocy."
Kyrgyzstan and Centerra in Talks for Out-of-Court Dispute Resolution Over Kumtor
By Catherine Putz
The Canadian mining firm confirmed that it is in discussions with Bishkek over the fate of the mine.
Kazakhstan’s Leadership Shows Internal Cracks in Attempts to Restore Public Safety
By Paolo Sorbello
As CSTO troops start their operations in Almaty, the president seems to be losing authority.
CSTO Deploys to Kazakhstan at Tokayev’s Request
By Catherine Putz
For the first time since its 1994 founding, the CSTO has agreed to deploy forces to a member state.
Unprecedented Protests Rock Kazakhstan as Government Clings to Familiar Script
By Catherine Putz
In a January 5 televised address, Kazakhstan's president followed a familiar script: blame the unrest on a conspiracy.