Blog
Crossroads Asia
Another Ethnic Kazakh Escapes Deportation to Xinjiang
By Catherine Putz
A court in Zharkent decided to not deport Tilek Tabarikuly, another ethnic Kazakh who escaped across the border with China.
Will Turkmenistan Ever Supply Gas to Europe?
By T.J. Sjostrom
In theory, Turkmenistan could be a complementary trade partner for Europe’s energy security needs. But what about in practice?
Absurdity Reigns Supreme in Kyrgyzstan’s Neverending Atambayev Fiasco
By Colleen Wood
Kyrgyzstan’s legal system and former president Almazbek Atambayev are still locked in stalemate.
Lavrov Closes Out Asia Trip With a Stop in Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
He made the trip on his way back to Moscow from India, where he’d attended the Raisina Dialogue.
Could a Land Swap Settle the Tense Kyrgyz-Tajik Border?
By Catherine Putz
After fresh trouble in the Batken region, the Kyrgyz and Tajik sides have floated the possibility of a land swap to fix the border.
Why an Iran-US Conflict Would Be a Disaster for Uzbekistan
By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent’s aims to diversify its transportation routes, a necessity for the double-landlocked state, rest largely on Iran.
All Gulnara’s Things: Karimov’s Daughter Again on Trial
By Catherine Putz
Meanwhile, Uzbek officials are reportedly searching Karimova’s Swiss mansion for stolen treasures.
Social Benefits Remain at the Heart of Ongoing Kazakh Frustration
By Catherine Putz
Nearly a year after a tragic fire, mothers in Kazakhstan continue to stage protests against insufficient government support.
Uzbekistan Reportedly Completes Demining Work on Tajik Border
By Catherine Putz
The Uzbek and Tajik sides have also moved on to demarcating their border, after extensive delimitation talks.
Secret Trial Hands Ex-Uzbek Diplomat Sentence for Treason
By Catherine Putz
The unfolding of Yusupov's case stands in direct contrast with the Uzbek government’s professions of progress and reform.
Security at the Core of Senior US Diplomat’s Visit to Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
Regional cooperation and security were the top-line items of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells’ recent trek to Tajikistan.
9 Young Jehovah’s Witnesses Remain Detained in Turkmenistan
By Catherine Putz
The nine men are all conscientious objectors, imprisoned for refusing compulsory military service.