Blog
Crossroads Asia
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.
Greater Coordination in Central Asian Responses to Afghan Border Troubles
By Umida Hashimova
Central Asian countries have begun coordinating their responses to the worsening security situation in Afghanistan.
Concerns Rise as Kyrgyzstan Enacts New NGO Controls
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan has added additional reporting requirements for NGOs in the name of financial transparency, but opportunities for misuse concern activists and foreign governments.
Afghanistan and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
By Ahmad Bilal Khalil
Why is the Afghan government pursuing full membership in the SCO, and what would that step mean for the grouping?
Allegations of Torture and Kyrgyz Involvement in Orhan Inandi case
By Catherine Putz
Inandi's lawyer suggests possible Kyrgyz involvement in his client's kidnapping; others suggest Inandi has been tortured.
Russia Cautions Central Asia Against Hosting US Forces
By Catherine Putz
As the U.S. looks to station over-the-horizon capabilities to address issues in Afghanistan, Central Asia is an obvious locale.
Uzbek Singer Abandons Presidential Ambitions
By Catherine Putz
Jahongir Otajonov, picked by the banned Erk party as its presidential candidate, has reportedly quit the race.
Kumtor Saga Roils With Additional Arbitration Claims and Scathing Open Letters
By Catherine Putz
The fight for control over Kyrgyzstan's single most valuable asset has devolved into ugly public recriminations.