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Crossroads Asia
Will Kyrgyzstan’s ‘False Information’ Law Threaten Free Speech?
By Catherine Putz
Japarov signed the bill passed by the parliament last month, but many questions remain about how it will be implemented.
Tajikistan Won’t Recognize a Taliban-Only Afghan Government
By Catherine Putz
After talks with Pakistan’s foreign minister, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon stressed the need for an inclusive Afghan government, particularly including ethnic Tajiks.
Russia Fearmongering About Afghan Refugees
By Catherine Putz
Putin is warning of “militants under the guise of refugees” in an effort to dissuade Central Asian states from cooperating with U.S. evacuation efforts.
Why Haven’t Kazakh Xinjiang Protests Gained Traction?
By Dariga Sanayeva
The plight of Kazakhs detained in Xinjiang’s “re-education” camps has not gained widespread public support among ethnic Kazakhs in Kazakhstan.
Afghan Forces Flee, Fly, to Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
How will Central Asian states handle Afghan government forces that have fled as the Taliban take control in Kabul?
A COVID-19 Loan for COVID-Denying Turkmenistan
By Lorena Cotza
The World Bank approved a COVID-19 loan for Turkmenistan, despite journalists reporting on the pandemic there being thrown in jail.
3rd Meeting of Central Asian Leaders: A Small Step Toward the Formation of a Regional Order?
By Filippo Costa Buranelli
Presidential meetings in Central Asia are often dismissed for a lack of concrete results and for their exclusively ceremonial character. But there are good reasons to take the latest meeting seriously.
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.