Blog
Crossroads Asia
What’s Behind the Planned Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway?
By Hugh Ollard
The three countries agreed on a roadmap for building a new railway, but what are the prospects of, and problems along, the route?
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Russia for First Foreign Visit
By Catherine Putz
Russia as a first destination for a Kyrgyz president is no surprise; it’s essentially tradition.
Matraimov Placed in Pretrial Detention as Money Laundering Investigation Moves Ahead
By Catherine Putz
Matraimov, who pleaded guilty to corruption earlier this month and got off with a fine, may face new charges.
In Kyrgyzstan, Controversial Former Customs Official Matraimov Rearrested
By Catherine Putz
A week ago, Matraimov pleaded guilty to corruption and was fined $3,000. He may soon face new charges.
Oil Company OMV Petrom Leaves Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello
Another investor has left Kazakhstan, highlighting the worsening business climate.
Uzbekistan Prioritizes Pakistani Over Iranian Ports
By Umida Hashimova
Accessing seaports at lower costs and shorter distances is a decades-old issues Tashkent is trying to solve, Pakistani ports might be the answer.
Son of Turkmenistan’s President Gets New Post
By Catherine Putz
Serdar Berdimuhamedov will be joining the Cabinet of Ministers, another step on the road to a dynasty.
A Closer Look at Uzbekistan’s Privatization Push
By Corissa Steiner
Tashkent has promoted privatization schemes before. Is this time different?
Matraimov Admits Guilt in Corruption Scheme, Gets Off With Tiny Fine
By Catherine Putz
Despite investigative journalists finding his hands deep in a $700 million smuggling scheme, Matraimov will do no jail time.
Small Protests Persist Outside Chinese Consulate in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
In Almaty, Kazakhstan's former capital and largest city, a group of mostly old women have continued to protest Chinese policies in Xinjiang.
Off the Hook: Acquittals of Swedish Telecom Officials Linked to Uzbek Bribery Scandal Upheld
By Ian J. Lynch
The acquittal of Swedish executives whose company admitted to bribing Gulnara Karimova for access to the Uzbek telecom market undermines anti-corruption efforts.
Uzbekistan Moves Elections to October
By Catherine Putz
The country's elections -- previously held in late December -- will now be held in October.