Blog
Crossroads Asia
New Amendments Target Parents Seeking Islamic Education for Children in Uzbekistan
By Niginakhon Saida
If enacted, a new draft law will add fines and possible jail time for parents that seek illegal Islamic education for their children.
Ukraine to Seek Extradition of Suspects in Shooting of Kazakh Journalist in Kyiv
By Catherine Putz
Outspoken critic of the Kazakh government Aidos Sadyqov was shot in the head on June 18. His attackers allegedly fled back to Kazakhstan.
Mongolia-EU Relations Are Gaining Momentum
By Bolor Lkhaajav
As the two sides celebrate 35 years of diplomatic ties, Mongolia’s relationship with Europe is breaking new ground.
Uzbek Lawmakers Take Aim at ‘Undesirable’ Foreigners
By Catherine Putz
A draft law seeks to guard Uzbekistan’s sovereignty by ousting foreigners who incite enmity or insult the dignity of the country.
Prosecutor in Kyrgyzstan Seeks 8 Year Sentence for Akyn Askat Zhetigen
By Catherine Putz
In the grand tradition of Kyrgyz akyns going back centuries, Zhetigen’s crime appears to be sharing his opinions with sharp words.
Kazakh Betting Law Saga Continues
By Adilbek Abdulov
Once signed into law, the Kazakh government will essentially discharge the most significant regulatory responsibilities in the betting industry to an unknown entity.
The West Is Laser-Focused on Central Asia’s Middle Corridor. So Is China.
By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez
For more commodities to move west from Central Asia, better infrastructure, more inter-agency cooperation, and modern customs systems are necessary.
How Central Asia Approaches Repatriation and Reintegration From Middle East War Zones
By Alouddin Komilov
Central Asian nations have seized the initiative, emerging as worldwide pioneers in tackling the challenge of repatriating and reintegrating citizens who traveled to Iraq and Syria.
Mongolia Signs an Ambitious Conservation Agreement With The Nature Conservancy
By Bolor Lkhaajav
The 15-year, $198 million agreement underscores Mongolia's willingness to adopt best practices from other countries in its quest for sound environmental stewardship.
In Kyrgyzstan, Kempir-Abad Case Ends in Acquittal
By Catherine Putz
The court acquitted most of the defendants in a case that began with the mass arrest of more than 20 politicians and activists opposed to a border deal with Uzbekistan in October 2022.
Mongolia’s Ulaanbaatar Dialogue Focuses on Regional Cooperation in Energy Transition and Critical Minerals
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Mongolia hopes to push forward cooperation, even among rival nations, on regional and global priority issues.
South Korean President Yoon Sweeping Through Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
Yoon follows in the footsteps of his two predecessors in traveling to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan this week.