Blog
Crossroads Asia
Kyrgyzstan’s Parliamentary Polls: Time to Lower the Threshold?
By Colleen Wood
Recent electoral reforms could incentivize corrupt campaigning, but is the answer to overhaul the new rules?
An Increasingly Isolated Iran Tries to Control Virus Crisis
By Associated Press
Iran is battling to control an outbreak of the new coronavirus, with experts worried that it is underreporting both cases and deaths.
The Green Steppe? Kazakhstan and Its Green Energy Future
By Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Can gas and oil-dependent Kazakhstan increase its reliance on greener energy sources?
How Iran and Turkey Compete in Central Asian Trade
By Omid Rahimi and Ali Heydari
A closer look at how two pivotal players factor into subregional dynamics in this domain.
Arrests at Rallies as Kazakhstan Contemplates New Protest Law
By Catherine Putz
As many as 200 were arrested for attending a pair of unsanctioned rallies. Meanwhile, a proposed law promises more of the same.
Kyrgyzstan’s Parliamentary Polls: An Open Field
By Colleen Wood
Kyrgyzstan will have parliamentary elections in October; party fractionalization means the race is anyone’s game.
Kyrgyz-Chinese Joint Venture Scrapped After Protests
By Catherine Putz
A deal with China to build a $275 million logistics center in Naryn region has been cancelled.
Is Kazakhstan Nipping Opposition in the Bud?
By Catherine Putz
Arrests and arson delay Kazakh opposition groups from gathering.
Before and Beyond 5G: Central Asia’s Huawei Connections
By Umida Hashimova
Huawei and Central Asian countries have special and long-lasting relations that are here to stay.
A New Era of Strategic Partnership: The US Engages to Find Opportunities in Central Asia
By Kristen Cheriegate
Central Asia will generally welcome -- and want -- U.S. attention, but will want a degree of circumspection.
Kyrgyz Customs Officer Reportedly Under Investigation
By Catherine Putz
A customs official named in the bombshell OCCRP, RFE/RL, and Kloop investigation last year is reportedly under official investigation.
Mongolia Suspends Traditional Lunar Near Year Celebrations Due to Coronavirus Concerns
By Tergel Bold-erdene
Despite the importance of the holiday to the Mongolian people, there is broad support for the government’s decision to suspend celebrations.