Country
Kyrgyzstan
Askarov’s Final Appeal Denied By Kyrgyz Supreme Court
By Catherine Putz
After a decade in jail and repeated international calls for his release, ethnic Uzbek human rights activist Azimjan Askarov remains behind bars in Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan’s Forgotten Role in World War II
By David Prentice
In total, around 365,000 Kyrgyz were mobilized by the Soviet Union to fight against Nazi Germany.
Understanding Sinophobia in Central Asia
By Sebastien Peyrouse
Sinophobia in Central Asia is real. But does that translate into a threat to China’s lasting presence in the region?
Kyrgyz Girl Power Pop: ‘Bad Daughter, When Will We Be Free?’
By Colleen Wood
A new song draws attention to violence against women while reclaiming sounds and symbols of Kyrgyz national identity.
Inside COVID-19 Quarantine in Kyrgyzstan
By Stephen Lioy
Returning to Bishkek, photographer Stephen Lioy was placed in quarantine at a site he’s always wanted to explore: the old U.S. military base.
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.
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.
Uneven ‘Extremism’ Justice in Kyrgyzstan
By Laura Mills
In Kyrgyzstan, there are people serving time for a crime no longer in the books.
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.
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.
Kyrgyz-US Relations Hampered Despite New US Central Asia Strategy
By Kristen Cheriegate
A visa ban for Kyrgyz citizens stems from a lack of biometric passports and poor communication, issues which can be addressed with deeper cooperation.
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?