Region
Central Asia
Kazakhstan’s Authorities Backtrack on Freedom of Assembly
By Paolo Sorbello
Around 80 activists were arrested on March 1 in Almaty in connection to an unsanctioned rally in memory of an activist who died in jail.
The Fall of Tajikistan’s Opposition
By Edward Lemon
President Emomali Rahmon has consolidated power by leading a merciless campaign against any opposition.
US, Taliban Sign Historic Deal to Begin Drawdown of American Troops
By Ankit Panda
The Taliban committed to not allow Afghan soil to be used by terrorist groups hostile to the United States in exchange for a withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country.
Kyrgyz-US Relations Hampered Despite New US Central Asia Strategy
By Kristen Cheriegate
A visa ban for Kyrgyz citizens stems from a lack of biometric passports and poor communication, issues which can be addressed with deeper cooperation.
Kyrgyzstan’s Parliamentary Polls: Time to Lower the Threshold?
By Colleen Wood
Recent electoral reforms could incentivize corrupt campaigning, but is the answer to overhaul the new rules?
Afghans View US-Taliban Deal With Well-Earned Skepticism
By Associated Press
The deal is expected to be signed in Doha on Saturday.
An Increasingly Isolated Iran Tries to Control Virus Crisis
By Associated Press
Iran is battling to control an outbreak of the new coronavirus, with experts worried that it is underreporting both cases and deaths.
The Green Steppe? Kazakhstan and Its Green Energy Future
By Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Can gas and oil-dependent Kazakhstan increase its reliance on greener energy sources?
How Iran and Turkey Compete in Central Asian Trade
By Omid Rahimi and Ali Heydari
A closer look at how two pivotal players factor into subregional dynamics in this domain.
Arrests at Rallies as Kazakhstan Contemplates New Protest Law
By Catherine Putz
As many as 200 were arrested for attending a pair of unsanctioned rallies. Meanwhile, a proposed law promises more of the same.
Kyrgyzstan’s Parliamentary Polls: An Open Field
By Colleen Wood
Kyrgyzstan will have parliamentary elections in October; party fractionalization means the race is anyone’s game.
Demolitions Threaten Uzbekistan’s Historical Heritage
By Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska
With development mushrooming across Uzbekistan, the country's historic quarters are at risk.