Region
Central Asia
What’s Behind Central Asia’s Umrah Fever?
By Niginakhon Saida
As long as people have limited opportunities in the socioeconomic and political arenas, and adherence to a religious lifestyle is restricted, pilgrimages will remain as an accessible means of self-fulfillment.
In Kyrgyzstan, Pendulum Swings Hard Against Matraimov With Arrest
By Catherine Putz
Over the last five years, Kyrgyz authorities have repeatedly had their hands on notoriously corrupt former official Raimbek Matraimov and each time let him go. Will this time be different?
Why Did the Islamic State Target Russia?
Lucas Webber, the co-founder and editor of militantwire.com, discusses the horrific attack in Russia, and the links to Islamic State’s Afghan branch, also known as ISKP.
Kyrgyzstan Warns Citizens Against Travel to Russia
By Catherine Putz
In the wake of the horrific Crocus City Hall attack, allegedly perpetrated by Tajik nationals, Bishkek has issued a recommendation that its citizens avoid unnecessary travel to Russia.
Labor Rights Violations Persist in Uzbekistan
By Lynn Schweisfurth
Cotton producer Indorama Agro silences workers speaking out against rights violations while development banks fail to ensure compliance.
How Does China Study Central Asia?
By Catherine Putz
A conversation with Frank Maracchione on Central Asia studies in China.
The C5+1 Critical Mineral Dialogue: What It Means and How We Got Here
By Charley Ward
It is promising that the CMD met just months after it was announced, seeming to indicate that all involved are serious about scaling up Central Asia’s role in global critical mineral supply chains.
Crocus City Hall Attack: Deciphering Central Asian Jihadism and Russian Counterterrorism
By Uran Botobekov
The Kremlin has made a concerted effort to implicate Ukraine, despite the absence of evidence linking Kyiv to the attack. Meanwhile, ISKP poses a clear threat to Russia.
Kazakh Court Extends Karakalpak Activist Muratbai’s Detention to 1 Year
By Catherine Putz
The extension of Muratbai’s detention follows a pattern in which Kazakh authorities detain Karakalpak activists pending extradition requests from Uzbekistan for the maximum time allowed by law.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Agree to Install Transboundary Water Meters
By Catherine Putz
While water is often characterized as a potential spark for conflict in Central Asia, it is at the same time an opportunity for cooperation.
Calls for Kyrgyz President to Veto ‘Foreign Representatives’ Bill
By Catherine Putz
From the EU delegation and the U.N. resident coordinator to an array of domestic NGOs, calls for Japarov to veto the bill have sounded loud and clear.
US Looks to Draw Central Asia Into Critical Minerals Supply Chains
By The Diplomat
What are the strategic interests of the United States in the development of deposits of critical minerals in Central Asia?