Blog
Crossroads Asia
Tokayev Urges Balancing of Nazarbayev’s Shortcomings and Merits
By Catherine Putz
“Let us pay tribute to the historical merits of the first president… and leave possible miscalculations as a warning to the future leaders of our country," Tokayev said.
2 Very Different Uzbek Bloggers Both Punished for Their Speech
By Catherine Putz
That the two are quite ideologically different illustrates the state’s unease with what it perceives as extremes, whether progressive or conservative.
Kazakh President Takes Aim at Wealthy Elite
By Catherine Putz
In asking Kazakhstan's rich to "pay their dues" Tokayev is addressing an aspect of public anger, but also might just be securing himself in power.
Blackouts Strike Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
The widespread blackout highlights a series of interconnected and concerning problems relating to reliable energy supplies in the region
After Kazakhstan, the CSTO Isn’t Finished With Central Asia
By Gabriel Gavin
The Russian-led CSTO military bloc has faced a critical test in the region.
Kyrgyz Journalist and Poet Detained on Suspicious Drugs Charges
By Catherine Putz
It’s hard not to link the drug charges against Bolot Temirov and Bolot Nazarov to their activities irritating certain authority figures.
How the Central Asian States Can Protect Themselves From Russia
By Andrew D’Anieri
A more integrated region will be richer, stabler, and more secure -- and countries won’t have to contemplate using their sovereignty as collateral.
Nazarbayev Resurfaces, Dismisses Talk of Elite Conflict in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
The statement from the First President came just after evidence of elite conflict began surfacing in earnest, with suggestions of a purge of Nazarbayev elites.
Uzbekistan Reacts to the Crisis in Kazakhstan
By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent reiterated its anti-CSTO sentiments and says it can independently control domestic issues if needed.
Kazakhstan: Local Politics and the Chaos in Almaty
By Colleen Wood
Resolving discontent with Almaty’s local government will be an important step in Kazakhstan’s broader political reform efforts.
After Kazakhstan Unrest, Relatives Await Detainees’ Release
By Associated Press
Authorities have refused to allow relatives or lawyers to see the 12,000 people reportedly in custody, giving little information about them.
Central Asia Continues to Supply Electricity to Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
In recent weeks, both Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have signed agreements with Afghanistan on energy supplies in 2022, despite unplanned outages.