Blog
Crossroads Asia
Europe Adds Uzbekistan to GSP+ Trade Scheme
By Catherine Putz
The benefits -- zero tariffs on a range of goods -- come with rights monitoring requirements of shortcomings Uzbekistan may have difficulty improving.
Low Turnout for a Strong President: Kyrgyzstan Approves New Constitution
By Catherine Putz
The indifference of many and the votes of some have ushered in Kyrgyzstan’s next political phase: a return to strong presidentialism.
Turkic Council Sets Sights on Upgrade Rooted in Economic Connectivity Projects
By Umida Hashimova
The Turkic Council aims to grow its political and economic significance.
Settling Central Asia’s Borders Is No Easy Task
By Catherine Putz
People on both sides of these possibly shifting borders have strong feelings about it.
Aizada Kanatbekova: A Young Woman Kidnapped and Murdered in Kyrgyzstan
By Catherine Putz
“Bride kidnapping” is claimed by some to be a traditional practice. Others call it what it is: forced marriage, which sometimes results in murder.
Uzbekistan: Opposition Erk Party Wants in on October Presidential Election
By Catherine Putz
The last time an Uzbek president faced a serious challenger was in 1991. Erk hasn’t been allowed to front a candidate since.
US-Central Asia: New Trilateral Dialogues Bring Regional Focus to Afghanistan
By Akram Umarov
In May 2020 and March 2021, the United States started up two new trilateral dialogues pairing Afghanistan with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Countdown to Another Election Day in Kyrgyzstan: April 11
By Catherine Putz
The April 11 vote covers 420 village council elections and 28 town and city council elections, plus a controversial constitutional referendum.
Uzbekistan Criminalizes Online Slander Against the President
By Catherine Putz
Instead of progress on decriminalizing defamation, Uzbek authorities have amended the criminal code to include online insults of the president as punishable with prison time.
China’s Central Asian Rail Investment Does Not Add Up
By Tristan Kenderdine and Péter Bucsky
China’s contribution to Central Asian rail connectivity remains miniscule.
Kyrgyzstan Begins COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign With Free Chinese Doses
By Catherine Putz
The gifted 150,000 doses will be enough for 75,000 people to be vaccinated. While it’s a start, Kyrgyzstan’s population exceeds 6.4 million.
Amid Debate Over LGBT Rights, Uzbek Authorities Victim-Blame Attacked Activist
By Catherine Putz
A blogger who suggested Uzbekistan decriminalize gay sex was brutally attacked. The Interior Ministry and others blame him for provoking the assault.