Blog
Crossroads Asia
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.
Iran Warns Virus Could Kill ‘Millions’ Within Its Borders
By Associated Press
The Islamic Republic issued its most serious warnings to date on the toll exacted by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
One Way to Look at the Overhaul in Russia? Putin Lacks a Dynastic Exit Strategy
By Mike Smeltzer
Recent political moves reinforce the fact that Putin still lacks a well-placed family member to whom control could be handed, complicating his search for an exit strategy.
COVID-19 Arrives in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
It was only a matter of time.
Kazakhstan Court Set To Free Prominent Political Prisoner
By Paolo Sorbello
Mukhtar Dzhakishev, former head of Kazakhstan's uranium company, obtained an early release decision due to his declining health.
Former Kyrgyz Lawmaker Detained After Rally in Bishkek Goes Awry
By Catherine Putz
A former Kyrgyz lawmaker has been detained after a rally in support of a different jailed former parliamentarian went awry this past weekend.
Tajik Islamic State Sympathizer and Attack Ringleader Dies in Prison
By Catherine Putz
Hussein Abdusamadov was the leader, and sole surviving member, of the group of Tajiks who killed four foreign cyclists in the summer of 2018.
Tajikistan Blocks Entry of Citizens From 35 Countries Over Coronavirus Fears
By Catherine Putz
To date, Central Asia has no confirmed cases of the virus but the region's countries are certainly concerned.
Democracy, the Tokayev Way
By Nurseit Niyazbekov
Is democracy, the Tokayev way, just the same authoritarian regime skillfully imitating democratic institutions and procedures to legitimate itself?
Tajik ‘Election’ Delivers Expected Result
By Catherine Putz
One “election” down, one more to go this year for Tajikistan.
Uzbekistan Appears to Settle on Observing the Eurasian Economic Union
By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent has lined up its rationale and settled on a narrative for cooperation with the EAEU.
Kazakhstan’s Authorities Backtrack on Freedom of Assembly
By Paolo Sorbello
Around 80 activists were arrested on March 1 in Almaty in connection to an unsanctioned rally in memory of an activist who died in jail.