Blog
Crossroads Asia
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?
Eliminating Forced Labor in Uzbekistan’s Cotton Sector – A Work Still in Progress
By Umida Niyazova
Uzbekistan has made enormous progress in eliminating forced labor, but has yet to fully eradicate it.
Election Campaign Kicks Off Slow in Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello
After some initial commotion in the political environment, the parliamentary race folded back into a roll-call of loyalists.
Uzbekistan Joins Online Eurasian Economic Union Meeting as an Observer
By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent's observer status does not earn it any of the benefits President Shavkat Mirziyoyev heralded in his remarks, but full membership appears to be the goal.
Third Central Asian Leaders’ Meeting Postponed to 2021: Why It Matters
By Akram Umarov
Postponing what was supposed to become a regular forum for the leaders of Central Asia to gather together is not a good idea.
Petition Filed With UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on Behalf of Kadyr Yusupov
By Catherine Putz
Yusupov, a former Uzbek diplomat, was convicted of treason in a closed trial after making a confession under pressure following a suicide attempt.
In the Face of Violence, Kyrgyz Woman Continue to Struggle for Justice
By Catherine Putz
Women in Kyrgyzstan continue to face significant hurdles in accessing justice when it comes to gender-based violence.
US Designates Raimbek Matraimov Under Global Magnitsky Act for Corruption
By Catherine Putz
Matraimov is alleged to have laundered $700 million out of Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek has let him off easy, but Washington has finally taken action.
Former Kyrgyz Prime Minister Isakov Gets New Trial, Too
By Catherine Putz
He's on the lam after getting out of jail during the October unrest and neglecting to return to prison.
Acting Kyrgyz President Mamytov Visits Moscow
By Catherine Putz
Mamytov, Kyrgyzstan's second acting president since October, is a close ally of Sadyr Japarov, who hopes to win election to the real presidency on January 10.
Kazakhstan Aims to Increase Participation in UN Peacekeeping Missions
By Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
The additional troops won’t be deployed until 2022 and it's not clear where they will be stationed.
Mongolia Grapples With Its First Real COVID Wave
By Anandsaikhan Nyamdavaa
After recording the first locally transmitted case in November, Mongolia’s local cases of COVID-19 have surpassed imported cases.