Blog
Crossroads Asia

May 11, 2023
Turkmen President Pays Visit to Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
Although they don’t share a border, budding autocratic dynasties Turkmenistan and Tajikistan are close political neighbors.

May 10, 2023
Kazakhstan Moves to Curtail Parallel Trade to Russia
By Catherine Putz
The cost of electronics and household appliances in Russia may increase by 10-12 percent due to new restrictions at the Kazakh border.

May 10, 2023
Central Asian Presidents Join Putin for May 9 Victory Day Parade
By Catherine Putz
It is difficult to disentangle the political choices made by Central Asian leaders to attend Moscow’s parade this year from the ongoing war in Ukraine.

May 09, 2023
Kazakhstan’s Ports: A Vital Node of the Middle Corridor
By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez
While many issues are beyond Astana’s control, having modern and expanded ports will give the Middle Corridor a fighting chance at success.

May 09, 2023
Uzbekistan-Russia Energy Relations: A Tale of 2 Problems
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
Despite Russia upping the ante on the gas trade, Uzbekistan still has some cards that it can play.

May 09, 2023
Upcoming China-Central Asia Summit to Offer a ‘New Blueprint’ for Relations
By Catherine Putz
Xi has prepared an "important speech" and the six leaders are expected to jointly sign an "important political document.”

May 08, 2023
Uzbek President Calls for Snap Elections
By Catherine Putz
In the wake of the constitutional referendum extending the presidential term from five to seven years, Mirziyoyev called for a new presidential election.

May 04, 2023
Will Jehovah’s Witness Shamil Khakimov Be Released From Prison in Tajikistan?
By Catherine Putz
Jailed in 2019 on charges of “inciting religious hatred,” Shamil Khakimov’s jail term ends on May 16. But he may not be released.

May 03, 2023
Uzbekistan’s President Mirziyoyev Visits Germany
By Catherine Putz
Tashkent's readouts of the president's meetings in Berlin highlight the quest for "multifaceted" cooperation.

May 02, 2023
A Closer Look at the Growing Chinese Presence in Uzbekistan
By Mukhammadsodik Donaev
Both Chinese expats and Uzbek locals have nuanced views of China’s growing involvement in Uzbekistan.

May 02, 2023
Report: Kyrgyz, Tajik Forces May Have Committed War Crimes in Border Conflict
By Catherine Putz
Human Rights Watch says in a detailed report on the September 2022 Kyrgyz-Tajik border conflict that forces on both sides may have committed war crimes in targeting civilians.

May 02, 2023
USCIRF Again Highlights Violations of Religious Freedoms in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
In its latest annual report, USCIRF recommends designating Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as "countries of particular concern" and asks for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to be included on the special watch list for religious freedom violators.