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Crossroads Asia
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.
Kazakhstan’s Sovereign Fund Changes Boss
By Paolo Sorbello
A new head of Samruk-Kazyna could bring about changes in governance and personnel.
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.
Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Border: ‘Resolved 100 Percent’
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyz officials laud a protocol signed with Uzbekistan to settle, once and for all, the border. Much work remains ahead to realize the agreement on the ground.
Uzbekistan Aims to Deepen Links Between Central and South Asia
By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent is organizing a high-level conference this summer aimed at bridging Central Asian countries and South Asian markets.
Local Council Elections a Big Test for Kyrgyzstan’s 2019 Gender Quota Law
By Colleen Wood
The gender quota in local councils is no panacea, but it is an important step in creating the capacity to address the challenges women face in Kyrgyzstan.
Which Central Asian Students Can Return to Russia to Study?
By Catherine Putz
Tajik students, for now, are not among those being allowed to return to their studies in Russia.
Kazakhstan’s Rule of Law Struggles on the International Stage
By Catherine Putz
Kazakhstan's recalcitrant response to international arbitration belies its claims to be a friendly destination for investment.