Country
Kyrgyzstan
In Light of Photos, Kyrgyz Authorities Claim Detained Journalist Staged Her Own Bruises
By Catherine Putz
Bolot Temirov shared photos of the bruises he says his wife, Makhabat Tajibek kyzy, sustained in a Kyrgyz detention center in April. Prison authorities say they were inflicted by cell-mates at her request.
How Authoritarian Oppression Breeds Religious Extremism in Central Asia
By Kashif Hasan Khan and Marin Ekstrom
The overwhelmingly authoritarian governments in Central Asia have utilized severe repression against Islamist movements – extremist or not.
A Guardian of Health in the Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
By WHO Country Office in Kyrgyzstan
With a particular focus on vaccination, Jiydekul Yrysbayeva plays a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of her fellow Kyrgyzstanis.
Kyrgyz President Raises Labor Mobility Issues in Moscow
By Catherine Putz
At a Eurasian Economic Union meeting, sandwiched between Putin’s fifth inauguration and the nationalistic May 9 display, the Kyrgyz president raised concerns about labor mobility in the EAEU.
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Construction to Begin in October, Kyrgyz President Says
By Catherine Putz
Sadyr Japarov reportedly said the railway will make Kyrgyzstan “a transit country for the world.” But the project is an enormous undertaking with unclear financing.
Central Asian Presidents to be ‘Guests of Honor’ for Russian Victory Day Parade
By Catherine Putz
For the second year in a row, Central Asia’s leaders are making the trek to Moscow to mark a holiday of fleeting relevance in the region.
US Religious Freedom Watchdog Recommends Kyrgyzstan for Special Watch List
By Catherine Putz
For the first time, all five Central Asian states are named in some fashion in the annual USCIRF report for violating religious freedoms.
UK Foreign Secretary’s Visit to Central Asia: Deciphered
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
What did U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s trip across Central Asia achieve?
Sino-Kyrgyz Relations: A (Very) One-sided Relationship
By Wilder Alejandro and Marin Ekstrom
On the one hand, China and the BRI have aided Kyrgyzstan in opening up to global trade. On the other hand, Bishkek's debt and dependency on Beijing's loans are alarming.
TikTok’s Rocky Road in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
TikTok has faced pressure across Central Asia, with governments often citing the protection of children to justify restriction.
UK Foreign Secretary’s Visit to Central Asia and Mongolia: An Urgent To-Do List
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
David Cameron is on a six-nation tour of Central Asia, underscoring the U.K.'s reinvigorated engagement with the region.
Open Society Foundations Closes Down Kyrgyzstan Operation
By Catherine Putz
In announcing the closure of Soros Foundation-Kyrgyzstan, the Open Society Foundations cited the new “foreign representatives” law.