Country
Uzbekistan
Trade and Transit Top Agenda as Uzbek Delegation Visits Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
A large Uzbek delegation visited Kabul over the weekend, with trade and transit issues under discussion.
How Is the Israel-Hamas War Being Framed in Central Asia?
By Colleen Wood
Journalists, influencers, and religious teachers are using social media to inform Central Asians about the Israel-Hamas war.
Central Asian Governments React to the Israel-Palestine Conflict
By Colleen Wood
To what extent have religious ties or geopolitical ambitions shaped Central Asian governments’ responses to growing violence in Gaza?
In Samarkand, USAID Head Power Announces New Funds for Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced an additional $14.3 million in regional programing, plus $18.7 million to boost collaboration in Uzbekistan, specifically.
Who Will Actually Benefit From the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railroad?
By Navruz Karimov and Abror Kurbonmuratov
Connectivity projects are crucial for landlocked Central Asian countries. Yet the railway brings major concerns: a lack of transparency, smuggling risks, and a possible debt trap.
In Uzbekistan, a Nascent Push for Green Energy
By Zhanaiym Kozybay
Amidst the energy and electricity crisis, Tashkent’s pursuit of renewables is as much about addressing the threat of climate change as it is about shoring up its energy security.
Another Summit to Watch: Commonwealth of Independent States Heads to Gather in Kyrgyz Capital
By Catherine Putz
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to attend. It will be his first trip abroad since the ICC issue an arrest warrant in March 2023.
A Fourth Karakalpak Released From Detention in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
While the releases in Kazakhstan have been welcomed by the Karakalpak community, it’s clear that a sense of unease remains.
An Economist vs. Uzbekistan’s Silk Industry: Whose Facts Matter?
By Umida Niyazova
A coming court verdict on the admissibility of independently verified information could have lasting negative implications for labor rights reporting in Uzbekistan.
Gulnara Karimova Accused of Running Criminal Organization in New Swiss Indictment
By Catherine Putz
Karimova’s organization, dubbed “The Office,” ran a hierarchical professional operation – with a criminal twist, according to Swiss federal prosecutors.
Measuring the Power and Legitimacy of Uzbekistan’s Islamic Leaders
By Niginakhon Saida
The popularity of religious figures in Uzbekistan is tied to their legitimacy, itself derived from their formal positions within government-affiliated religious institutions.
Evolving Narratives in German Foreign Policy Toward Central Asia
By Rustam Kayumov
Germany’s key role is in helping Central Asia reduce its reliance on Russian and Chinese investments and, more significantly, trade.