Blog
Crossroads Asia
Abducted From Kyrgyzstan, Educator Orhan Inandi Paraded in Turkey as a ‘Terrorist’
By Catherine Putz
Turkish President Erdogan, who previously denied knowing anything about Inandi, announced his "capture" by Turkish intelligence.
Retreating Afghan Forces Cross Into Central Asia
By Umida Hashimova
As the Taliban capture districts in Afghanistan’s north, Uzbek and Tajik responses to fleeing Afghan forces have varied.
With Accelerated Afghan Withdrawal, US Engagement With Central Asia Intensifies
By Catherine Putz
U.S. forces are reportedly days away from completing the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Central Asian diplomats are making the rounds in Washington, DC.
Ahead of CCP Anniversary, Kazakh Activists Protesting China’s Xinjiang Policies Detained
By Catherine Putz
Several activists well-known for picketing the Chinese consulate in Almaty have reportedly been detained in Kazakhstan.
Back to Normal Diplomacy: Kyrgyz President Visits Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
A return to the pre-April status quo is preferable to continued violence, but a lack of progress on border negotiations isn’t a long-term solution to instability on the border.
After US Withdrawal From Afghanistan, What Role Will Kazakhstan Play?
By Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
As the U.S. prepares to leave Afghanistan, is it Kazakhstan’s time to shine?
Why Atajurt’s Brief YouTube Suspension Matters
By Colleen Wood
YouTube's temporary suspension of a Kazakh human rights group’s channel highlights the risks of civil society's heavy reliance on the tech giants.
New Opposition Party in Uzbekistan Denied Registration, Again
By Catherine Putz
The Truth and Progress party, after being rejected in April, re-applied but was again rejected by the Ministry of Justice.
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan Talk Dams, Not Rogun
By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent seems to have delicately removed itself from discussing Dushanbe’s Rogun dam, instead offering alternatives.
UN Working Group Finds Kadyr Yusupov’s Detention in Uzbekistan Arbitrary
By Catherine Putz
The working group called on Uzbek authorities to immediately release the former diplomat.
Kyrgyz President Japarov Visits Turkey
By Catherine Putz
Japarov reportedly asked about the disappearance of Orhan Inandi, but in typical style Erdogan dodged and stressed the need to combat “FETO.”
Kyrgyzstan Reviewing Entry Bans on Rittmann and Rickleton
By Catherine Putz
In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov wrote that he has ordered a review of entry bans imposed on journalist Chris Rickleton and human rights researcher Mihra Rittmann.