Blog
Crossroads Asia
Looking Ahead to Kyrgyzstan’s Unpredictable Parliamentary Election
By Colleen Wood
Despite the swell of Japarov loyalists running for parliament, it remains difficult to predict the election’s outcome.
Former Uzbek Security Services Head Inoyatov Replaced as a Presidential Adviser
By Catherine Putz
The apparent dismissal of Rustam Inoyatov, who lost his long-held post as head of the Uzbek security services back in 2018, moves a former kingmaker off the board.
Drought and Crumbling Infrastructure: Threats to Kyrgyzstan’s Agricultural Sector
By Aiymgul Aibalaeva
The agricultural sector’s struggles with water scarcity presage wider troubles in Kyrgyzstan if infrastructure and policies cannot be fixed.
What COP26’s Shift Away From Coal Means for Mongolia
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Coal-based economies like Mongolia will need a rewiring of climate finance to make a transition to clean energy possible.
Uzbekistan Still Contemplating Eurasian Economic Union Membership
By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent is taking its time, slowly moving toward EAEU membership and perhaps hoping to carve out exceptions in exchange for joining.
Afghan Pilots Held in Tajikistan Finally Out
By Catherine Putz
After nearly three months in limbo in a Tajik sanitorium, a group of 191 Afghans, many U.S.-trained pilots, have been flown out of the region.
EU-Central Asia Economic Forum: Is Central Asia Ready for More Assertive EU Policy?
By Katrina Keegan
At the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum, the EU kept its rhetoric uncontroversial. However, Central Asian countries signaled they may respond well to more ambitious EU goals.
Turkmenistan and the WHO, a Delicate Dance
By Catherine Putz
At the end of the day the WHO has to deal with Turkmenistan as it is. That doesn't mean sharp critiques of both aren't also necessary.
The Old Ways Are Still Alive in New Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
In entering a new term by suggesting constitutional reform, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is following in the path of his dictatorial predecessor.
Uzbekistan’s Efforts at Forcing Data Localization Backfire
By Catherine Putz
The head of the state communications regulator was fired swiftly after popular social media sites and apps were restricted for failing to comply with data localization laws.
Centerra Says Kumtor’s Gold Output Down
By Catherine Putz
The critical Kyrgyz gold mine, according to its ousted Canadian owners, is apparently pouring less gold than planned.
TAPI, Turkmenistan, and the Taliban
By Catherine Putz
The Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan doesn’t materially affect the dim prospects that TAPI will be built any time soon.