Region
Central Asia
Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ on Iran Complicates Central Asian Export Routes
By Nargiza Umarova
Changing U.S. policies present both risks and opportunities for countries like Uzbekistan, which have looked to Iran to connect them to global markets via the sea.
Tokayev’s ‘New Kazakhstan’: Rebranding the Old Guard?
By Elvira Aidarkhanova
Three years after announcing a “New Kazakhstan,” has Tokayev truly changed Central Asia’s leading economy?
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan Finalize Border Agreement
By Sher Khashimov
With final documents ready for ratification and then presidential signatures, contemporary Central Asia’s bloodiest conflict nears a conclusion.
Why Is Prominent Uzbek Imam Mubashshir Ahmad Wanted by Authorities?
By Madina Amin
Initial reports suggested the popular figure was wanted on serious charges, but his lawyer refuted that claim.
Silenced Voices, Shifting Power: Mongolian Civil Society, Geopolitics, and the USAID Funding Freeze
By Handaa Enkh-Amgalan
What does the aid freeze mean on a practical level? More broadly, what does it mean for the geopolitical balance Mongolia maintains?
Ukrainian Drones Hit Kazakhstan’s Main Oil Export Outlet in Russia
By Paolo Sorbello
UAVs damaged a pumping station of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium.
Uzbekistan’s Corruption Crackdown: Progress or Perpetual Crisis?
By Kodir Kuliev and Niginakhon Saida
Despite a surge in anti-corruption efforts, systemic fraud and bribery remain deeply embedded in Uzbekistan’s governance. With thousands of officials facing charges yet minimal consequences, is real change on the horizon?
Turkmenistan Settles Gas Swap Deal With Turkiye, Iran
By Catherine Putz
According to Turkish officials, the gas flow is planned to start on March 1, with Turkmen gas reaching Turkiye via a swap deal involving Iran.
Hope and Fear on the Kyrgyz-Tajik Border
By Joe Luc Barnes and Alibek Mukambaev
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are closing in on the conclusion of their long-running border dispute. What does the prospect mean to locals?
Can Kazakhstan Succeed in Its Transition Toward Clean Energy?
By Nigel Li
Faced with climate disasters at home, Kazakhstan is accepting clean energy as a necessity, not just an ambition.
Musk Takes Aim at RFE/RL, to Japarov’s Delight
By Catherine Putz
The powers-that-be in Washington, elected and unelected alike, are parroting the same language used by Central Asian and Russian autocrats about RFE/RL.
Former Kyrgyz Natural Resources Minister Sentenced to 8 Years
By Catherine Putz
Dinara Kutmanova and her son, once at the forefront of the Kumtor nationalization movement, were charged with abuse of office and fraud. They'd been arrested back in 2023.
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