Blog
Crossroads Asia
Afghanistan and Central Asia’s ASEAN Moment
By Moez Hayat
The Central Asian republics can learn from the experience of Southeast Asia and use the crisis in Afghanistan to spur forward regional cooperation at a time of great power competition.
Akayev Asks for Forgiveness Over Kumtor, Flies Back to Russia
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan’s first president admitted to making mistakes regarding the mine.
Can Uzbekistan and Pakistan Help Stabilize Afghanistan?
By James Durso
Focusing on trade networks, Afghanistan’s neighbors hope to forge regional stability in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal.
Central Asian Leaders Set to Meet in Turkmenistan for Third Consultative Meeting
By Catherine Putz
Following summits in 2018 and 2019, the 2021 meeting comes amid a great number of regional difficulties and concerns.
Upcoming Parliament Elections Present New Opportunities and Challenges for Kyrgyzstan
By Ilgiz Kambarov
Kyrgyzstan’s parliament will shrink and change after the next election, expected later this year, under new legislation and a new constitution.
Kumtor Case: Another Former Kyrgyz Prime Minister Detained
By Catherine Putz
With another former prime minister arrested, the Kumtor case grows. Meanwhile, some have been released and others kept in custody.
Kyrgyzstan’s First Ousted President Returns to Cooperate With Kumtor Investigation
By Catherine Putz
After 16 years, Askar Akayev returned to Kyrgyzstan in connection with the Kyrgyz state’s growing case against the Canadian mining company Centerra Gold.
Akim Elections: More Cosmetic Reform in Kazakhstan?
By Colleen Wood
Direct election of village leadership is another example of cosmetic reform in Kazakhstan.
Mongolia Seizes the Diplomatic Moment
By Shannon Tiezzi
In the space of just five days, Mongolian officials have held high-level talks with China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States
Weightlifter Guryeva Wins Turkmenistan’s 1st Olympic Medal
By James Ellingsworth
The silver medal is Turkmenistan’s first since independence in 1991.
Kyrgyz Politician Arrested for Involvement in October Unrest Begins Hunger Strike
By Catherine Putz
Jenish Moldokmatov, a harsh critic of President Japarov, is facing charges of orchestrating riots during last October's unrest; the same unrest that saw Japarov rise to power.
Tajikistan’s Latest COVID Outbreak: The Rahmon Family
By Catherine Putz
Tajikistan’s leaders declared the country COVID-free back in January, but the recent death of the president’s sister, reportedly from COVID-19, exposes the reality: The pandemic isn’t over.