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Crossroads Asia

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Bishkek’s Ever Problematic Power Plant Explodes

Bishkek’s Ever Problematic Power Plant Explodes

By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov pledged to order a “complete modernization” of the plant after a February 2 explosion.
Kazakhstan Appoints a New Government

Kazakhstan Appoints a New Government

By Paolo Sorbello
It’s a timid reshuffling that is unlikely to shake things up.

Mongolia Commits to Fighting Corruption With International Help

Mongolia Commits to Fighting Corruption With International Help

By Bolor Lkhaajav
Corruption has been a perennial issue for Mongolia, but public outrage has sparked a new anti-corruption strategy from the government.

Early Notice: Kyrgyz President Japarov Will Seek Second Term

Early Notice: Kyrgyz President Japarov Will Seek Second Term

By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan’s next presidential election isn’t due until 2027, but Central Asia doesn’t always stick to schedule – making early chatter about a second term interesting. 

The Unexonerated Speak: A New Documentary Sheds Light on Uzbekistan’s Dark Past

The Unexonerated Speak: A New Documentary Sheds Light on Uzbekistan’s Dark Past

By Catherine Putz
Thousands were imprisoned under the regime of Islam Karimov, unjustly convicted on religious extremism and other charges. Many have been freed, but they remain unexonerated. 
Acute Shortage of Cotton Pickers Results in Coercion by Officials

Acute Shortage of Cotton Pickers Results in Coercion by Officials

By Lynn Schweisfurth
The Uzbek Forum's findings from monitoring the 2023 cotton harvest point at some instances of forced labor when voluntary workers were scarce. 

Central Asia No Closer to Shaking Perceptions of Corruption

Central Asia No Closer to Shaking Perceptions of Corruption

By Catherine Putz
Transparency International notes a “troubling picture” in the region as countries struggle with “dysfunctional rule of law, rising authoritarianism, and systemic corruption.”
Navigating New Horizons: Uzbekistan’s Role in Global Connectivity

Navigating New Horizons: Uzbekistan’s Role in Global Connectivity

By Alouddin Komilov
The EU and Central Asia have a critical opportunity to strengthen their collaboration in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges affecting global trade routes.

Wanted, Again: Matraimov Once More Sought by Authorities in Kyrgyzstan

Wanted, Again: Matraimov Once More Sought by Authorities in Kyrgyzstan

By Catherine Putz
Bishkek is on the one hand pursuing an anti-corruption campaign, but at the same time cracking down on the very media that expose such corruption.

Kazakhstan’s Government Under Fire for Sloppy Earthquake Response

Kazakhstan’s Government Under Fire for Sloppy Earthquake Response

By Paolo Sorbello
The emergency response system did not work properly, top officials said.

Zypl.ai: Spearheading AI-Driven Financial Innovation and Regional Integration in Central Asia

Zypl.ai: Spearheading AI-Driven Financial Innovation and Regional Integration in Central Asia

By Khiradmand Sheraliev
The potential for AI to bring about closer regional integration lies in its ability to address some of the traditional barriers to economic cooperation.
‘Very Strong’ 7.1 Magnitude Quake in Western China Kills 3

‘Very Strong’ 7.1 Magnitude Quake in Western China Kills 3

By Ken Moritsugu and Han Ng Guan
Tremors also were felt in neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. 

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