Region
Central Asia
Russia and the SCO Military Exercises
By Joshua Kucera
Russia may be putting aside its reluctance to accept the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s growing clout in Central Asia.
Iran Looks East, China Pivots West
By Lauren Dickey and Helia Ighani
The two countries need each other, in a relationship that seems unlikely to be derailed soon.
Will Sanctions Stymie Russia’s Resurgence in Central Asia?
By Ryskeldi Satke
Moscow’s projects in the region are coming unglued just as the West steps up sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.
Afghanistan: A Taliban-Humanitarian Affair
By Akmal Dawi
Humanitarian workers in Afghanistan are finding it increasingly necessary to engage with the Taliban.
How Afghanistan Pulled Back From the Brink
By Marvin G. Weinbaum
A new compromise gives Afghanistan the political chance it’s been lacking. Still, implementation will not be easy.
Is Turkmenistan the Next Central Asian Tiger?
By Nicola Contessi
The country has been authoritarian and isolationist, but its reforms are beginning to show promise.
Central Asia’s Energy Rush
By Michał Romanowski
The region’s major powers are in a tussle to control its rich energy sources.
Moscow’s Afghan Endgame
By Richard Weitz
Worried about the NATO withdrawal, Russia has adopted several new policies for Central Asia.
Revisiting Kyrgyzstan’s Bloody Summer
By Michael Caster
Ethnicity is a convenient but misleading way of explaining the outburst of violence in 2010.
How Significant Is the Eurasian Economic Union?
By Casey Michel
Moscow’s high hopes for the union have come up against reluctance among its neighbors.
The Afghans Who Didn’t Vote
By Ali Latifi
Many younger Afghans see the elections not as a source of inspiration, but of frustration.
What Crimea Teaches Central Asia
By Stephen Blank
The lessons from Russia’s actions in Ukraine in recent months are disturbing for Central Asia.