Country
Kazakhstan
US Puts Additional Central Asian Companies on Russia Sanctions List
By Catherine Putz
The latest round of sanctions designations included a Kyrgyzstan-based company and two firms based in Kazakhstan.
Karakalpak Activist Muratbai Given Asylum Seeker Status in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
The certificate delays his extradition to Uzbekistan and could lead to the granting of refugee status. But in practice, the country rarely grants refugee status to anyone.
Slow Suffocation in Central Asia
By Alva Omarova
A lack of political will on the part of Central Asian governments prevents the region from dealing seriously with its air quality problem.
Prominent Karakalpak Activist Aqylbek Muratbai Facing Extradition From Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
Muratbai has been a vital voice in calling attention to Uzbekistan's persecution of the Karakalpak people. His detention in Kazakhstan is yet another warning shot.
Japan’s Role in Healing the Aral Sea and Engaging Central Asia
By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez and Marin Ekstrom
Tokyo is a quiet but important partner to Central Asia, with notable engagement on projects related to the Aral Sea.
Kazakhstan Appoints a New Government
By Paolo Sorbello
It’s a timid reshuffling that is unlikely to shake things up.
Central Asia No Closer to Shaking Perceptions of Corruption
By Catherine Putz
Transparency International notes a “troubling picture” in the region as countries struggle with “dysfunctional rule of law, rising authoritarianism, and systemic corruption.”
Kazakhstan’s Government Under Fire for Sloppy Earthquake Response
By Paolo Sorbello
The emergency response system did not work properly, top officials said.
‘Very Strong’ 7.1 Magnitude Quake in Western China Kills 3
By Ken Moritsugu and Han Ng Guan
Tremors also were felt in neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s Evolving Afghanistan Policy
By Aziza Mukhammedova
Afghanistan’s market and its position as a trade route that can connect Central Asia to South Asian ports are critically important to Kazakhstan.
Nietbay Urazbayev, Karakalpak Diaspora Leader, Dies in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
“One of the best of our people has left -- and this further complicates relations between the Karakalpaks and the Uzbek authorities,” a fellow Karakalpak activist told The Diplomat.
Following China’s Export of Sanctioned Goods Through Central Asia to Russia
By Dilfuza Mirzakhmedova, Shakhriyor Ismailkhodjaev, and Kamila Fayzieva
Goods exported to Russia from China via Central Asia need not be weapons in order to contribute to Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.