Blog
Crossroads Asia
Tajik Authorities Continue Harassing Dissident’s Family
By Catherine Putz
New year, same problem: Tajik authorities continue to harass the family of Fatkhuddin Saidmukhidinov, a Europe-based government critic.
What’s Russia’s Aim in Afghanistan?
By Nodirjon Kirgizbaev
The Russian presence in Central Asia, predicated on the threats from Afghanistan, stymies the political and economic development of the region.
Kyrgyz Constitutional Chamber Nixes Petition to Undo Parliamentary Election Delay
By Catherine Putz
The Kyrgyz Supreme Court’s Constitutional Chamber determined that parliament acted legally in extending its term and kicking parliamentary elections into 2021.
Kazakhstan’s Parliamentary Elections: The Ablyazov Effect
By Catherine Putz
Mukhtar Ablyazov is kryptonite in Kazakh politics.
Atambayev Headed for Retrial in Batukayev Case After Supreme Court Cancels Conviction
By Catherine Putz
Atambayev’s June conviction has been overturned, but he’ll be headed back to court for the Batukayev release case, and others.
Uzbek Media Outlet Pushes Back on Government Pressure
By Catherine Putz
In their post addressing the communication agency's letter, Kun.uz said it “gave off an air of the ‘old’ Uzbekistan.”
Goalposts for Kyrgyzstan’s Constitutional Referendum Shifting
By Colleen Wood
Two months out from unrest sparked by parliamentary elections, Kyrgyzstan’s political future remains uncertain.
Afghan Officials Say 34 Killed in Separate Suicide Bombings
By Associated Press
The attacks were just the latest to have taken place since the beginning of peace talks in September
UN Working Group Finds Serikzhan Bilash’s Detention by Kazakhstan Arbitrary
By Catherine Putz
Bilash headed a group advocating for greater attention to the ethnic Kazakhs detained in China’s camps in Xinjiang. It got him in trouble with the Kazakh government.
Banking Consolidation Continues in Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello
A bank close to Nazarbayev buys a competitor, while smaller lenders continue to fall.
US-Uzbekistan Relations Right on Track
By Catherine Putz
The U.S. and Uzbekistan aim to transition toward a “Strategic Partnership Dialogue” in 2021.
Kazakh Blogger Forced Into Psychiatric Clinic
By Catherine Putz
A court order has sent Aigul Otepova to a psychiatric clinic. Her supporters say its because of her outspoken criticism of the government.