Country
Uzbekistan
US Afghan Envoy Visits Uzbekistan, Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
As the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan begins, some suspect Washington is looking for nearby basing options.
Uzbek Blogger Bazarov Under House Arrest Facing Libel Charges
By Catherine Putz
A month after being brutally beaten, Bazarov was released from the hospital and swiftly charged for insulting his old school in an October 2020 TikTok video.
Russia, Central Asian States Worry About Instability in Afghanistan
By Umida Hashimova
Military officials in Russia and Central Asia agree to unite efforts as they prepare for a worsening of the situation in Afghanistan.
Uzbekistan Needs NGOs, But the Barriers Remain High
By Catherine Putz
“A developed and vibrant civil society is needed if we want to build a democratic society.”
Uzbekistan Pushing to Realize the Trans-Afghan Railroad
By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent recently reassured Iran of its interest in the Iranian route to the sea, but Uzbekistan has more actively sought a new route through Afghanistan to Pakistani ports.
Europe Adds Uzbekistan to GSP+ Trade Scheme
By Catherine Putz
The benefits -- zero tariffs on a range of goods -- come with rights monitoring requirements of shortcomings Uzbekistan may have difficulty improving.
Turkic Council Sets Sights on Upgrade Rooted in Economic Connectivity Projects
By Umida Hashimova
The Turkic Council aims to grow its political and economic significance.
Settling Central Asia’s Borders Is No Easy Task
By Catherine Putz
People on both sides of these possibly shifting borders have strong feelings about it.
Uzbekistan: Opposition Erk Party Wants in on October Presidential Election
By Catherine Putz
The last time an Uzbek president faced a serious challenger was in 1991. Erk hasn’t been allowed to front a candidate since.
US-Central Asia: New Trilateral Dialogues Bring Regional Focus to Afghanistan
By Akram Umarov
In May 2020 and March 2021, the United States started up two new trilateral dialogues pairing Afghanistan with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan Criminalizes Online Slander Against the President
By Catherine Putz
Instead of progress on decriminalizing defamation, Uzbek authorities have amended the criminal code to include online insults of the president as punishable with prison time.
China’s Central Asian Rail Investment Does Not Add Up
By Tristan Kenderdine and Péter Bucsky
China’s contribution to Central Asian rail connectivity remains miniscule.