Blog
Crossroads Asia
Kazakh Activist’s ‘Fake News’ Conviction Upheld
By Catherine Putz
What concerns the Kazakh government isn’t “fake news” but its own fear that incompetence, pointed out, will undermine the current power structures.
Central Asia’s Refineries Under Scrutiny
By Paolo Sorbello
Kazakhstan's anti-monopoly agency fines the Atyrau refinery; Uzbekistan's Fergana refinery becomes loot for investors.
Field Set for Tajik Election, No Surprises
By Catherine Putz
With less than a month until election day, Rahmon stands prominently in a field of unsurprising candidates unlikely to rock the boat.
Kazakhstan’s Robin Hood: The Geopolitics of Sci-Hub
By Corissa Steiner
Sci-Hub, using legally dubious methods, makes academic research free to researchers worldwide. It is a win for Western academia.
After Another Reversal, 16 Parties Set to Stand in Kyrgyzstan’s Parliamentary Election
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan's Central Election Commission had another of its decisions to reject a party's registration reversed by a court.
Will Emomali Rahmon Have Any Serious Challengers for the Tajik Presidency?
By Catherine Putz
A 30-year-old Tajik lawyer declared his intention to run and was almost immediately questioned by the security services. Rahmon is unlikely to tolerate a genuine challenger.
Pandemic Slows Central Asia’s Gas Exports to China
By Umida Hashimova
The economic slowdown in China, a result of the coronavirus pandemic, has affected the gas trade.
Survey Says: Kyrgyz Intend to Vote in October But Aren’t Sure For What Party
By Catherine Putz
A recent survey indicates that a majority of Kyrgyz intend to vote in October, but they aren't settled on what party they'll ultimately cast a ballot for.
Why Did Tajikistan Make an Appearance in the China Military Power Report?
By Catherine Putz
The U.S. Department of Defense included Tajikistan in a list of possible locations for future Chinese military facilities.
Small Openings in Central Asia’s Pandemic-Closed Borders
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan opened a major border crossing with Uzbekistan, but will Tashkent let its citizens cross it?
Divergent Diplomatic Paths on Belarus Across the Former Soviet Union
By Catherine Putz
The states of the former USSR have taken divergent paths -- some congratulating, some condemning -- in response to the election and protests in Belarus.
As Kyrgyzstan Marks Independence Day, Poet Calls Out Corruption
By Catherine Putz
At Kyrgyzstan’s muted independence day celebration, a poet-singer called out government corruption in his performance.