Country
Uzbekistan
It’s Karimov Era 2.0 for Muslims in Uzbekistan
By Madina Amin
A new wave of arrests in Uzbekistan have centered on religious lectures, songs, and social media posts, calling up memories of the not-so-distant Karimov era.
What’s the Status of Plans to Export Russian Gas to Uzbekistan?
By Catherine Putz
Moscow’s needs are more immediate, giving Tashkent time and space to negotiate.
EU-Central Asia Leaders’ Meeting Latest to Highlight Region’s Geopolitical Centrality
By Catherine Putz
Last year, the EU’s meeting with Central Asian leaders followed their summit with Putin; this year it trailed their meeting with Xi.
Hobbled Economic Prospects in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
Emerging economies are “struggling just to cope,” the World Bank says. The latest Global Economic Prospects report notes slight improvements but many risks.
Brooklyn Lawyers Abuse Asylum System in Advising Clients to Fraudulently Claim LGBTQ Persecution
By Catherine Putz
Taking advantage of the very real persecution of the LGBTQ community in Russia and across much of the former Soviet Union, a pair of lawyers conspired to commit immigration fraud.
Uzbekistan Supreme Court Issues Ruling on Karakalpakstan Appeals
By Catherine Putz
Tazhimuratov’s 16-year sentence was upheld while terms of others were either reduced or shifted to house arrest.
Karakalpakstan’s Sovereignty in Mirziyoyev’s Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
Karakalpakstan has a constitutional right to secede from Uzbekistan via referendum, but calling for such a vote results in immense pressure and often prison terms.
This Week in Asia: May 19, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.
In Xi’an, China’s Xi Calls for a ‘Shared Future’ With Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
The summit produced the clearest iteration of Chinese interests in and commitments to Central Asia to date, but there's no "new blueprint" for relations.
Lineup Set for Snap Uzbek Presidential Election
By Catherine Putz
Five parties have nominated four candidates, but only one has any chance at 'winning' Uzbekistan's July 9 snap presidential election.
This Week in Asia: May 12, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.
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.