Blog
Crossroads Asia

February 26, 2021
Pay Attention to Kyrgyzstan’s Local Elections
By Colleen Wood
Local polls scheduled for April 11 will offer clues about the country’s future political trajectory.

February 26, 2021
Mongolia Starts Its COVID-19 Vaccinations
By Uranbileg Tumurkhuyag
New Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene became the first to get his shot, kicking off Mongolia's vaccine campaign.

February 26, 2021
RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service Reveals Secret Mountain Resort
By Catherine Putz
In an investigation released this week, RFE/RL poked into the Uzbek president’s alleged secret resort in the mountains.

February 25, 2021
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?

February 25, 2021
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.

February 22, 2021
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.

February 19, 2021
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.

February 18, 2021
Oil Company OMV Petrom Leaves Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello
Another investor has left Kazakhstan, highlighting the worsening business climate.

February 16, 2021
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.

February 13, 2021
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.

February 12, 2021
A Closer Look at Uzbekistan’s Privatization Push
By Corissa Steiner
Tashkent has promoted privatization schemes before. Is this time different?

February 11, 2021
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.
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