Region
Central Asia
Zero to 15: Tajikistan Finally Confirms First Cases of COVID-19
By Catherine Putz
The announcement confirms what experts long suspected, but the government denied: the pandemic has arrived in Tajikistan.
Have Press Freedoms Improved in Central Asia?
By Colleen Wood
What does a new global press freedom index really say about Central Asia?
Report Claims Turkmenistan Is Shuffling the Quarantined out of View
By Catherine Putz
If Ashgabat simply moves the sick away from designated quarantine zones, will it fool the WHO?
US Religious Freedom Report Signals Improvements in Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
For the first time in 15 years, USCIRF has recommended Uzbekistan not be deemed a country of particular concerns when it comes to religious freedom violations.
Uzbekistan’s Changing Media Space
By Catherine Putz
An interview with Ikhtiyor Rakhman of Korrespondent.uz
Are There Really No COVID-19 Cases in Tajikistan?
By Catherine Putz
Dushanbe’s denials are simply unbelievable; its belated responses to the pandemic “cruel and inept at the same time.”
Kazakhstan Wins One Small Legal Battle in the Long War With Stati
By Paolo Sorbello
A landmark High Court decision in London agreed with Kazakhstan's Central Bank, dealing a blow to a Moldovan investor in a long-lasting legal war.
Human Rights Beyond the Time of Coronavirus
By Catherine Putz
Central Asia has seldom been a haven of respect for human rights and the coronavirus pandemic opens new opportunities for abuse.
Iran Opens Up as Economic Woes Overshadow Virus Infection Fears
By Associated Press
Authorities have defended their response by pointing out the harsh economic impact a prolonged lockdown would have.
Jobs at Stake in Kazakhstan’s Energy Sector
By Paolo Sorbello
A drop in Brent oil prices and the emergence of cases of COVID-19 at the Tengiz field are poised to slash investment and hammer employment.
Kyrgyz Girl Power Pop: ‘Bad Daughter, When Will We Be Free?’
By Colleen Wood
A new song draws attention to violence against women while reclaiming sounds and symbols of Kyrgyz national identity.
Luca Anceschi on Kazakhstan’s ‘Neo-Eurasianism’
By Catherine Putz
Eurasianism, as developed in Kazakhstan, became an official vehicle for the foreign policy vision of Nursultan Nazarbayev.