Crossroads Asia

Ukrainian flags dotted many recent rallies in Almaty -- about issues as varied as pollution and International Women’s Day -- as people in Kazakhstan call for peace.

In a recent speech, Kazakh President Tokayev laid out the government’s understanding of the January events and proposed a litany of reforms to achieve a “New Kazakhstan.”

Although all indications are that Serdar intends to follow in his father’s footsteps, Turkmenistan is politically entering uncharted waters.

As Bishkek tries to maintain a balanced approach to the Ukraine crisis, demonstrations have been banned from key protest hotspots in the capital.

After a dozen years, the Cotton Campaign has finally announced the end of its pledge, signed by 331 brands and retailers, to boycott Uzbek cotton on account of forced labor.

Tokayev’s “new Kazakhstan” is much less in sync with Russia, as illustrated by the country’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Will a change in president mean a change in leadership? And even if so, can that change in leadership measurably affect the challenges Turkmenistan faces?

In 2022, Central Asia was supposed to see slight growth in remittances. Thanks to Russia’s war in Ukraine, remittances are expected to drop dramatically instead.

The allowing of a rally in support of Ukraine contrasts sharply with the lack of permission granted last month for a rally to commemorate the victims of the January unrest in Kazakhstan.

Mongolia is carefully supporting a peaceful dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, while focusing on protection of civilians.

Putin’s push for restoring Moscow’s past glories could very well bring about its further demise: not just in Europe but also in Central Asia. 

In farming communities in Batken, rice is not just a pantry staple or cultural symbol; its planting and harvesting determines the rhythm of life.