Country
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Adopts Law Targeting Foreign-Funded NGOs
By Colleen Wood
The restrictive law was first proposed 10 years ago. How could it affect Kyrgyz society now that it’s been passed?
Detained Kyrgyz Journalist Alleges Abuse by Guards
By Catherine Putz
Ombudsman representatives confirmed Makhabat Tajibek kyzy was bruised from an apparent beating, but detention center staff would not allow them to document it.
Nuclear Power Plant Construction and Uranium Mining in Kyrgyzstan Pose Unacceptable Risks
By Ilgiz Kambarov
Pursuing nuclear power is a perilous path for Kyrgyzstan, especially given the country's geological instability and a lack of domestic expertise and infrastructure.
What’s Behind Central Asia’s Umrah Fever?
By Niginakhon Saida
As long as people have limited opportunities in the socioeconomic and political arenas, and adherence to a religious lifestyle is restricted, pilgrimages will remain as an accessible means of self-fulfillment.
In Kyrgyzstan, Pendulum Swings Hard Against Matraimov With Arrest
By Catherine Putz
Over the last five years, Kyrgyz authorities have repeatedly had their hands on notoriously corrupt former official Raimbek Matraimov and each time let him go. Will this time be different?
Kyrgyzstan Warns Citizens Against Travel to Russia
By Catherine Putz
In the wake of the horrific Crocus City Hall attack, allegedly perpetrated by Tajik nationals, Bishkek has issued a recommendation that its citizens avoid unnecessary travel to Russia.
How Does China Study Central Asia?
By Catherine Putz
A conversation with Frank Maracchione on Central Asia studies in China.
The C5+1 Critical Mineral Dialogue: What It Means and How We Got Here
By Charley Ward
It is promising that the CMD met just months after it was announced, seeming to indicate that all involved are serious about scaling up Central Asia’s role in global critical mineral supply chains.
Calls for Kyrgyz President to Veto ‘Foreign Representatives’ Bill
By Catherine Putz
From the EU delegation and the U.N. resident coordinator to an array of domestic NGOs, calls for Japarov to veto the bill have sounded loud and clear.
US Looks to Draw Central Asia Into Critical Minerals Supply Chains
By The Diplomat
What are the strategic interests of the United States in the development of deposits of critical minerals in Central Asia?
Kyrgyzstan’s Shifting Politics: Foreign Agents, Civil Society, and Russian Influence
By Bektour Iskender
How did Kyrgyzstan become a standard-bearer in adopting Kremlin-inspired tactics – like the just-passed “foreign representatives” bill – to suppress civil society?
Kyrgyz ‘Mass Media’ Law Withdrawn by Presidential Request
By Catherine Putz
After meeting with media representatives, Japarov requested the controversial bill be withdrawn and “finalized” – ostensibly to be re-worked and re-considered at a later time