Region
Central Asia
In Kyrgyzstan, Matraimov Wriggles Free Again With a Fine
By Catherine Putz
When he was extradited to Kyrgyzstan earlier this year, Matraimov was alleged to be connected to an opaque assassination plot. He just got off with a fine for hooliganism.
Arrest of Kyrgyz Lawyer an Attack on the Legal Profession
By Alva Omarova
Prior to his arrest, Samat Matsakov worked on several high-profile cases involving critics of the government.
The Legitimization of Land Grabbing in Uzbekistan’s Cotton Sector
By Lynn Schweisfurth
Farmers pay a heavy price in the name of privatization.
The Difficult Path to Justice for Rape Victims in Kyrgyzstan
By Catherine Putz
After a long legal battle, the rapist of a 16-year-old disabled girl in Kyrgyzstan was sentenced to 11 years in prison. The case illustrates how difficult justice is to achieve, even in the most horrific of crimes.
No Rallies in 3 Years? Kyrgyz President Claims ‘Stability,’ Forgets Reality
By Catherine Putz
Despite a ban on rallies in much of Bishkek since March 2022, there have actually been rallies, protests, and even riots in the country in recent years.
Sanctions on Gazprombank Imperil Uzbek Copper Mine Expansion
By Daniel Beizsley
The $4.8 billion Yoshlik expansion project aims to vastly expand Uzbekistan’s copper output, but the Western sanctioning of Russian banks financing the project put the enterprise at risk.
After 33 Years, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Announce Border Agreement
By Catherine Putz
The two sides say they’ve reached an agreement and fully completed the description of their mutual border. The next steps will be even more difficult.
Door-to-Door: Tajikistan’s Fight Against Radicalization
By Abaigeal Lorge
Dushanbe’s door-to-door policy is part of an almost decade-long campaign to counter radicalization and religious extremism in the country. Is it effective?
Critical Metals Key to Deepening South Korea-Kyrgyzstan Relations
By Catherine Putz
The two countries elevated ties to a comprehensive partnership.
France and Italy’s Central Asia Strategy: Securing Energy and Shaping Security
By Douwe van der Meer and Alexander Royall
Central Asia’s evolving geopolitical role is not just about balancing external actors; it is about leveraging these partnerships to pursue their own national and elite interests.
An Alleged Coup Plot and a Secretive Trial in Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
The alleged coup plot features every one of President Emomali Rahmon’s personal bêtes noires.
Kazakhstan’s Kuryk Pipeline Plan
By Paolo Sorbello
A planned oil pipeline could gain momentum given the uncertainty around routes through Russia.
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