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Crossroads Asia
Kyrgyz Officials Meet With Taliban Acting Foreign Minister in Kabul
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan’s diplomacy with regard to the Taliban has never been as robust as that of neighboring Uzbekistan, but Bishkek is taking a practical approach to dealing with the new leaders in Kabul.
A Look at Punitive Psychiatric Detention in Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
A new report catalogues the use of forced psychiatric detention to repress human rights activists in Uzbekistan, laying out the cases of six individuals to illustrate the abusive practice.
What Explains Tajikistan’s Evolving Position on Afghan Refugees?
By Umida Hashimova
In late July, a Tajik official said the country had the capacity to accept 100,000 Afghan refugees. Since then, Dushanbe has fallen into the broader, anti-refugee Central Asian line.
Iran’s Membership Raises the SCO’s Profile – and Expectations
By Ovigwe Eguegu and Javairyah Kulthum Aatif
After adding Tehran to its ranks, the SCO will face its biggest test yet: maintaining stability in Afghanistan.
Kazakhstan’s Cryptocurrency Mining Grows Despite Emissions Worries
By Paolo Sorbello
The increased energy demand could be met by a long-awaited nuclear power plant.
Ahead of Kyrgyz Parliamentary Elections, Elections Official Arrested on Fraud Charges
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan will finally hold parliamentary elections in late November, more than a year after a botched election spun the country into political turmoil.
South Korea Becomes Mongolia’s 6th Strategic Partner
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Mongolia’s strategic partnership with South Korea once again shows its foreign policy strength.
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan Take Different Approaches to Afghanistan
By Umida Hashimova
In dealing with the situation in Afghanistan, Dushanbe and Tashkent have taken different approaches toward dealing with a Taliban-ruled country.
What’s Next for Afghan Pilots Who Escaped to Central Asia?
By Catherine Putz
With Uzbekistan under pressure, those who landed in Termez are being moved to the UAE. Those in Tajikistan are waiting.
UN Mission to Afghanistan Relocates to Kazakhstan
By Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
As the world adapts to a “new” Afghanistan, there is much work to be done to help Afghans in need. From its temporary base in Almaty, UNAMA will continue to work toward this goal.
The Mongolian Armed Force’s Contribution to Afghanistan
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Mongolia has supported both international and bilateral efforts to stabilize and develop Afghanistan.
Kyrgyzstan Effectively Suspends Visas for Pakistan, India Amid Afghanistan Stress
By Catherine Putz
A pandemic-related influx of Pakistani and other South Asian travelers mixed with Afghanistan worries to produce a xenophobic backlash on social media.