Blog
Crossroads Asia
Kazakhstan-China Border Delays as Rail Freight Hedge Wobbles
By Tristan Kenderdine
A bottleneck on the Kazakh-China border has left thousands of wagons waiting to cross for weeks on end.
Is Mongolia Ready for a Female President?
By Manduul Bat-Orshikh
Ts. Oyungerel has announced she will seek the Democratic Party’s nomination for this year's presidential election, sparking controversy before the race even starts.
17 Candidates Remain in the Kyrgyz Presidential Race
By Catherine Putz
Four opposition candidates, in anticipation of a second round run-off for the presidency, have pledged to unite behind a single candidate. But Sadyr Japarov is the favorite to win in the first round.
Did Uzbekistan and Russia Just Have Their First (Limited) Food War?
By Umida Hashimova
Tomato pests, quickly forgotten, suggest the brief ban on some Uzbek imports was of a political nature.
A Look Back at 2020 in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
How did I do on my outlook for Central Asia 2020? (Spoiler: I didn't know there'd be a pandemic)
Public Opinion Survey Polls Kyrgyz on Upcoming Election Questions
By Catherine Putz
When asked in early December which politicians they trusted, 48 percent of surveyed Kyrgyz said Sadyr Japarov -- 31 percent said they trusted no politicians.
Looking Ahead to January 10: Elections in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
By Colleen Wood
Why bother analyzing elections in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan if we think we know the results?
There Won’t be Political Reform in Uzbekistan. Here’s Why
By Dilmira Matyakubowa
Genuine reform takes place not through quashing free thinkers and critics but in encouraging and even embracing them.
Uzbekistan Hedging Vaccine Bets with Russian Purchase
By Umida Hashimova
Uzbekistan launches trials of a Chinese vaccine, but purchases Russian vaccine.
India-Iran-Uzbekistan Pursue Central Asian Connectivity
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
The Iranian port of Chabahar has the potential to shift some of the regional dynamics in India’s favor.
Can Uzbekistan Stay on Track in Improving its Human Rights Record?
By Nodirjon Kirgizbaev
Uzbekistan undoubtedly needs to continue implementing recent initiated reforms, but its progress is promising.
Does It Matter That the New OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities Is From Kazakhstan?
By Ana-Maria Anghelescu
In early December a Kazakh diplomat secured a top position in the OSCE -- but does it matter?