Region
Central Asia
9 Young Jehovah’s Witnesses Remain Detained in Turkmenistan
By Catherine Putz
The nine men are all conscientious objectors, imprisoned for refusing compulsory military service.
A Kazakh Dilemma as Beijing Reportedly Seeks Deportation of Former Camp Detainees
By Catherine Putz
As Beijing seeks deportations, ethnic Kazakhs strive to remain out of China’s grasp.
Final Tally on Uzbekistan’s New Parliament: A 2014 Repeat?
By Catherine Putz
By the numbers, Uzbekistan's new parliament is very much like the previous one.
Afghanistan Reacts to Soleimani’s Death
By Sayed Jalal Shajjan
How will the Iranian general’s assassination impact the ongoing U.S.-Taliban peace negotiations?
Russia Ratifies Agreement With Tajikistan on Labor Migrants
By Catherine Putz
The agreement attempts to organize the recruitment of Tajik labor migrants who work seasonally in Russia.
Trouble in the Middle East Prompts Pompeo to Postpone Eastern Europe, Central Asia Trip
By Catherine Putz
Once again, U.S. foreign policy engagements elsewhere in the world are truncated because of trouble in the Middle East.
What to Expect from US Secretary of State Pompeo’s Upcoming Visit to Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
After visits to Ukraine and Belarus early in the new year, Pompeo will touch down in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Turkey Seeks Extradition of 2 Gulen School Employees From Kyrgyzstan
By Catherine Putz
Two employees of the re-named Sapat school network are reportedly in detention. A Bishkek court has stalled their extradition.
Hats, Carpets, and Dances: Bits of Central Asia’s Intangible Culture Added to UNESCO List
By Catherine Putz
Uzbekistan's Khorazm dance, Kyrgyzstan's kalpak, and Turkmenistan's carpets all notched spots on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List
12 Killed, Dozens Hurt After Plane Crashes in Kazakhstan
By Associated Press
The morning crash took place shortly after takeoff near Almaty, Kazakhstan.
What Happened at the Kyrgyz President’s End of Year Press Conference?
By Colleen Wood
Kyrgyzstan’s president discussed hot topics -- corruption, development, free speech -- at his second annual press conference.
Of Concerns and Waivers: Religious Freedom and US Interests in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
Tajikistan and Turkmenistan were once again designated as “Countries of Particular Concern” for violations of religious freedom.