Blog
Crossroads Asia
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.
Tajikistan Asks CSTO for Assistance on the Afghan Border
By Catherine Putz
With Afghan forces fleeing into Tajikistan and the Taliban managing a border crossing, Dushanbe has reportedly called on its CSTO partners for aid.
Q-Pop: A Musical Expression of Kazakhstan’s National and Global Identity
By Marin Ekstrom and Assiya Yermukhametova
Q-pop offers a deeper commentary on Kazakhstan’s attempts to embrace the forces of globalization while simultaneously establishing a renewed sense of national identity.
Abducted From Kyrgyzstan, Educator Orhan Inandi Paraded in Turkey as a ‘Terrorist’
By Catherine Putz
Turkish President Erdogan, who previously denied knowing anything about Inandi, announced his "capture" by Turkish intelligence.
Retreating Afghan Forces Cross Into Central Asia
By Umida Hashimova
As the Taliban capture districts in Afghanistan’s north, Uzbek and Tajik responses to fleeing Afghan forces have varied.
With Accelerated Afghan Withdrawal, US Engagement With Central Asia Intensifies
By Catherine Putz
U.S. forces are reportedly days away from completing the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Central Asian diplomats are making the rounds in Washington, DC.
Ahead of CCP Anniversary, Kazakh Activists Protesting China’s Xinjiang Policies Detained
By Catherine Putz
Several activists well-known for picketing the Chinese consulate in Almaty have reportedly been detained in Kazakhstan.
Back to Normal Diplomacy: Kyrgyz President Visits Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
A return to the pre-April status quo is preferable to continued violence, but a lack of progress on border negotiations isn’t a long-term solution to instability on the border.