Country
Tajikistan
Central Asian Presidents Join Putin for May 9 Victory Day Parade
By Catherine Putz
It is difficult to disentangle the political choices made by Central Asian leaders to attend Moscow’s parade this year from the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Upcoming China-Central Asia Summit to Offer a ‘New Blueprint’ for Relations
By Catherine Putz
Xi has prepared an "important speech" and the six leaders are expected to jointly sign an "important political document.”
Will Jehovah’s Witness Shamil Khakimov Be Released From Prison in Tajikistan?
By Catherine Putz
Jailed in 2019 on charges of “inciting religious hatred,” Shamil Khakimov’s jail term ends on May 16. But he may not be released.
Report: Kyrgyz, Tajik Forces May Have Committed War Crimes in Border Conflict
By Catherine Putz
Human Rights Watch says in a detailed report on the September 2022 Kyrgyz-Tajik border conflict that forces on both sides may have committed war crimes in targeting civilians.
USCIRF Again Highlights Violations of Religious Freedoms in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
In its latest annual report, USCIRF recommends designating Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as "countries of particular concern" and asks for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to be included on the special watch list for religious freedom violators.
Tajikistan’s Pamirs: A Perfect Political Storm on the Roof of the World
By Klas Lundström
The table is set for the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast to remain a geopolitical hotspot, as important as it is distant.
Will Tajikistan Meaningfully Engage on Religious Freedom?
By Nury Turkel and Eric Ueland
The visit of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief provides a unique opportunity for increased engagement and the potential for positive reform.
What Afghanistan’s Qosh Tepa Canal Means for Central Asia
By Seamus Duffy
The Qosh Tepa canal issue essentially forces the Central Asian nations in the Amu Darya basin to make tradeoffs between regional instability and internal instability.
Central Asia’s Strained Security Architecture
By Saadi Khamidov
Growing divisions within the CSTO -- over Ukraine, Afghanistan, and various internal disputes -- may have serious implications for the region’s security architecture.
Taliban’s Diplomatic Presence Growing in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
The Taliban have gained access to some of the erstwhile Afghan Republic's embassies and consulates in Central Asia. The consulate in Tajikistan's Khorog may be the latest.
Tackling Central Asia’s Remaining Development Challenges
By Evgeny Vinokurov and Anton Malakhov
The region needs to overcome four key structural challenges: lack of access to the sea, low level of development of the financial sector, lack of water and energy coordination, and climate change.
Unpacking Geopolitical Competition and Energy Security in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
A U.S. Senate subcommittee recently explored U.S. policy toward Central Asia amid the war in Ukraine and intense concern about global energy security.