Blog
Crossroads Asia
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan Finalize Border Agreement
By Sher Khashimov
With final documents ready for ratification and then presidential signatures, contemporary Central Asia’s bloodiest conflict nears a conclusion.
Why Is Prominent Uzbek Imam Mubashshir Ahmad Wanted by Authorities?
By Madina Amin
Initial reports suggested the popular figure was wanted on serious charges, but his lawyer refuted that claim.
Silenced Voices, Shifting Power: Mongolian Civil Society, Geopolitics, and the USAID Funding Freeze
By Handaa Enkh-Amgalan
What does the aid freeze mean on a practical level? More broadly, what does it mean for the geopolitical balance Mongolia maintains?
Mongolian Public Raises Outcry Over Air Pollution and Public Health Concerns
By Enkhuun Byambadorj and Bolor Lkhaajav
The government's response to date, however, has only confirmed perceptions that it isn't serious about tackling the issue.
Ukrainian Drones Hit Kazakhstan’s Main Oil Export Outlet in Russia
By Paolo Sorbello
UAVs damaged a pumping station of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium.
Uzbekistan’s Corruption Crackdown: Progress or Perpetual Crisis?
By Kodir Kuliev and Niginakhon Saida
Despite a surge in anti-corruption efforts, systemic fraud and bribery remain deeply embedded in Uzbekistan’s governance. With thousands of officials facing charges yet minimal consequences, is real change on the horizon?
Turkmenistan Settles Gas Swap Deal With Turkiye, Iran
By Catherine Putz
According to Turkish officials, the gas flow is planned to start on March 1, with Turkmen gas reaching Turkiye via a swap deal involving Iran.
How the Curtailing of US Aid Impacts Mongolia’s Development
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Since Mongolia’s democratization in the 1990s, USAID has been a major supporter of the country's development. With USAID's future in doubt, Ulaanbaatar is watching closely.
Can Kazakhstan Succeed in Its Transition Toward Clean Energy?
By Nigel Li
Faced with climate disasters at home, Kazakhstan is accepting clean energy as a necessity, not just an ambition.
Musk Takes Aim at RFE/RL, to Japarov’s Delight
By Catherine Putz
The powers-that-be in Washington, elected and unelected alike, are parroting the same language used by Central Asian and Russian autocrats about RFE/RL.
What to Watch as Mongolia’s Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Visits China
By Sumiya Chuluunbaatar
His discussions with Chinese leaders will focus on issues such as a long-desired cross-border railway and the coal trade, with domestic politics lurking in the background.
Former Kyrgyz Natural Resources Minister Sentenced to 8 Years
By Catherine Putz
Dinara Kutmanova and her son, once at the forefront of the Kumtor nationalization movement, were charged with abuse of office and fraud. They'd been arrested back in 2023.