Blog
Crossroads Asia
Uzbekistan Adopts Strict Regulations to Fight COVID-19
By Umida Hashimova
The pandemic has led to the resurrection of heavy law enforcement in Uzbekistan.
Mongolia Finds a Silver Living in the COVID-19 Crisis
By Anandsaikhan Nyamdavaa
Mongolia has yet to be hit hard by the pandemic, but the precautions taken have substantially decreased other incidences of disease.
Uzbekistan Leads Central Asian Diplomacy in the Age of COVID-19
By Catherine Putz
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been ringing his neighbors to coordinate and dispatching aid to Afghanistan.
Did Turkmenistan Really Ban the Word ‘Coronavirus’?
By Catherine Putz
Not quite. But Ashgabat is certainly denying the reality of the COVID-19 threat.
How Is Central Asia Handling COVID-19?
By Colleen Wood
A broader comparative frame is more productive for understanding how Central Asian governments are handling the coronavirus pandemic.
More Arrests Linked to February Ethnic Violence in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
Kazakh authorities say 25 have been arrested in connection to deadly violence targeting the Dungan community in February.
Mongolia’s Small-Country Strategy for Containing COVID-19
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Mongolia’s small population might be an asset in fighting the new pandemic.
Atambayev Trial Begins With Postponement
By Catherine Putz
Just as it was finally beginning, the trial of Almazbek Atambayev was postponed.
Border Closures in Eurasia Complicate Migrant Worker Movement
By Catherine Putz
With COVID-19 causing border closures, Central Asia's migrant workers are stuck and out of luck.
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan Engage in Joint Military Exercises
By Umida Hashimova
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan take joint responsibility for their border with Afghanistan.
Kyrgyzstan’s Meme-Makers Take on Serious Social and Political Issues
By Colleen Wood
While COVID-19 dominates Kyrgyzstan’s media landscape, citizens make memes to keep now-distant social issues relevant.
Another 13 Years on Corruption Charges for Gulnara Karimova
By Catherine Putz
Meanwhile, negotiations go on between the Swiss and Uzbek governments over millions in frozen assets.