Country
Uzbekistan
The Final Flights of the Afghan Air Force
By Catherine Putz
As the Afghan government collapsed, the country’s pilots were left with an impossible choice: stay and face possible death at the hands of the Taliban, or fly away.
A Look Back at 2021 in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
How did I do on my outlook for Central Asia 2021?
Is Syria Still Calling to Would-be Uzbek Militants?
By Umida Hashimova
With a series of recent arrests, it seems Uzbek authorities believe that Syria remains an attractive destination for prospective fighters.
Uzbek President Sets Out Proposals for Constitutional Reforms
By Catherine Putz
In a Constitution Day speech, President Mirziyoyev outlined nine proposals for amending the country’s constitution.
Is It Time for the US to Press Uzbekistan on Human Rights?
By Catherine Putz
A group of U.S. Senators have asked the Biden administration to center human rights in the upcoming Strategic Partnership Dialogue with Uzbekistan.
How to Make Samarkand a Truly Green City
By Darina Solod and Nina Lesikhina
Samarkand recently joined the EBRD's Green Cities program. Will it help citizens be heard?
No Place for Afghan Refugees in Central Asia
By Umida Hashimova
Even financial compensation can’t lure Central Asian countries into accepting Afghan refugees.
Where Are ‘New’ Uzbekistan’s Promised Reforms?
By Akzam Turgunov
The reelection of Uzbekistan’s president was a foregone conclusion. The real question is: Where are the promised reforms?
Former Uzbek Security Services Head Inoyatov Replaced as a Presidential Adviser
By Catherine Putz
The apparent dismissal of Rustam Inoyatov, who lost his long-held post as head of the Uzbek security services back in 2018, moves a former kingmaker off the board.
Uzbekistan Still Contemplating Eurasian Economic Union Membership
By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent is taking its time, slowly moving toward EAEU membership and perhaps hoping to carve out exceptions in exchange for joining.
EU-Central Asia Economic Forum: Is Central Asia Ready for More Assertive EU Policy?
By Katrina Keegan
At the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum, the EU kept its rhetoric uncontroversial. However, Central Asian countries signaled they may respond well to more ambitious EU goals.
The Old Ways Are Still Alive in New Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
In entering a new term by suggesting constitutional reform, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is following in the path of his dictatorial predecessor.