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Uzbekistan
The Cost of Uzbekistan’s ‘Pragmatic’ Taliban Policy
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Tashkent’s approach to the Taliban has shifted over the years, with the latest swing moving it toward more direct engagement.
This Week in Asia: July 14, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.
From Central Asia to Europe: What Is the Most Sustainable Transport Corridor?
By Catherine Putz
A recent European study highlighted the Central Trans-Caspian Network as the best option to connect Central Asia with Europe.
Dynamic Repression Amid Uzbekistan’s Snap Presidential Election
By Alva Omarova
The state seems to aim for branding Uzbekistan as dynamic. Its approach to free speech is anything but.
In Uzbekistan, Another Z-Artist’s Concert Canceled
By Niginakhon Saida
Is it over for Russian Z-artists in Central Asia?
A Third Term for Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev
By Catherine Putz
With 87 percent of the votes in a campaign devoid of genuine competition, the Uzbek president has cemented himself in power much like his predecessor.
Uzbekistan’s Election Highlights Lost Hopes for Reform
By Hugh Williamson
There have been some areas of progress on human rights under Mirziyoyev but the country’s international partners should recognize that these gains have now halted and gone into reverse.
New Uzbekistan, New Universities, New Problems
By Niginakhon Saida
Reforms in tertiary education have made university degrees more attainable in Uzbekistan, but less valued.
The Taliban’s New Canal Threatens Water Security in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
By Niginakhon Saida
As the Taliban rush to complete the Qosh Tepa canal, Central Asia’s water security is at risk.
Uzbek Journalists and Bloggers Suffer from Mirziyoyev’s Broken Promises on Freedom of Speech
By Umida Niyazova
Although there is much more freedom of speech compared to the Karimov era, ongoing attacks on bloggers and civil society activists show an alarming deteriorating dynamic in Uzbekistan.
Redeeming Book Culture in Uzbekistan
By Niginakhon Saida
In a new political era, boosted by social media, Uzbekistan’s publishers, translators, and book bloggers see rewarding opportunities amid the challenges.
Cultural Diplomacy as a Key Instrument of China-Central Asia Cooperation
By Paolo Sorbello
An interview with Chinese diplomacy researcher Giulia Sciorati.