Blog
Crossroads Asia
Uzbekistan Still Contemplating Eurasian Economic Union Membership
By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent is taking its time, slowly moving toward EAEU membership and perhaps hoping to carve out exceptions in exchange for joining.
Afghan Pilots Held in Tajikistan Finally Out
By Catherine Putz
After nearly three months in limbo in a Tajik sanitorium, a group of 191 Afghans, many U.S.-trained pilots, have been flown out of the region.
EU-Central Asia Economic Forum: Is Central Asia Ready for More Assertive EU Policy?
By Katrina Keegan
At the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum, the EU kept its rhetoric uncontroversial. However, Central Asian countries signaled they may respond well to more ambitious EU goals.
Turkmenistan and the WHO, a Delicate Dance
By Catherine Putz
At the end of the day the WHO has to deal with Turkmenistan as it is. That doesn't mean sharp critiques of both aren't also necessary.
The Old Ways Are Still Alive in New Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
In entering a new term by suggesting constitutional reform, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is following in the path of his dictatorial predecessor.
Uzbekistan’s Efforts at Forcing Data Localization Backfire
By Catherine Putz
The head of the state communications regulator was fired swiftly after popular social media sites and apps were restricted for failing to comply with data localization laws.
Centerra Says Kumtor’s Gold Output Down
By Catherine Putz
The critical Kyrgyz gold mine, according to its ousted Canadian owners, is apparently pouring less gold than planned.
TAPI, Turkmenistan, and the Taliban
By Catherine Putz
The Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan doesn’t materially affect the dim prospects that TAPI will be built any time soon.
Meta Pushes Back Against Kazakh Claims of ‘Exclusive’ Access to Facebook’s Content Reporting System
By Catherine Putz
"This process is the same in Kazakhstan as it is for other countries around the world," a Meta spokesman told Reuters.
Facebook Grants Kazakhstan Direct Access to Content Reporting System
By Catherine Putz
In giving the Kazakh government direct access to identify content as problematic, Facebook is empowering an autocratic government to further police what its citizens say.
Mongolia Celebrates 60 Years in the United Nations
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Mongolia’s engagement with the U.N. is a microcosm of its foreign policy post-independence.
Which Politicians Do Kyrgyz Trust?
By Catherine Putz
Addressing the problems Kyrgyz citizens name as their biggest concerns is arguably the only way to sustain trust.