Region
Central Asia
How Authoritarian Oppression Breeds Religious Extremism in Central Asia
By Kashif Hasan Khan and Marin Ekstrom
The overwhelmingly authoritarian governments in Central Asia have utilized severe repression against Islamist movements – extremist or not.
A Guardian of Health in the Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
By WHO Country Office in Kyrgyzstan
With a particular focus on vaccination, Jiydekul Yrysbayeva plays a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of her fellow Kyrgyzstanis.
Kyrgyz President Raises Labor Mobility Issues in Moscow
By Catherine Putz
At a Eurasian Economic Union meeting, sandwiched between Putin’s fifth inauguration and the nationalistic May 9 display, the Kyrgyz president raised concerns about labor mobility in the EAEU.
Opportunities Grow in South Korea for Uzbek Workers
By Catherine Putz
As South Korea increasingly looks to migrant labor to address shortages in major industries, Uzbekistan is keen on providing workers.
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Construction to Begin in October, Kyrgyz President Says
By Catherine Putz
Sadyr Japarov reportedly said the railway will make Kyrgyzstan “a transit country for the world.” But the project is an enormous undertaking with unclear financing.
1 Amendment, Dozens of Arrests: How Uzbekistan Is Hounding Citizens Who Criticize the President
By Madina Amin
Five years in jail for criticizing Mirziyoyev’s attending a military parade in Moscow, two and half for a vulgar comment on Instagram, seven for a derogatory poem.
Central Asian Presidents to be ‘Guests of Honor’ for Russian Victory Day Parade
By Catherine Putz
For the second year in a row, Central Asia’s leaders are making the trek to Moscow to mark a holiday of fleeting relevance in the region.
Cotton Campaign Urges Uzbekistan to Investigate Harassment of Activists
By Catherine Putz
In April, noted Uzbek human rights activist Umida Niyazova and a journalist were harassed by two men as they planned to tour Fergana and speak to farmers.
US Religious Freedom Watchdog Recommends Kyrgyzstan for Special Watch List
By Catherine Putz
For the first time, all five Central Asian states are named in some fashion in the annual USCIRF report for violating religious freedoms.
UK Foreign Secretary’s Visit to Central Asia: Deciphered
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
What did U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s trip across Central Asia achieve?
Tajikistan Advises Citizens Against Travel to Russia
By Catherine Putz
More than a month after xenophobic abuse directed toward Tajiks spiked in the wake of the Crocus City Hall attack, Dushanbe issued a “temporary” recommendation against travel to Russia.
Fines for Critics in the Aftermath of Kazakhstan’s Terrible Spring Floods
By Catherine Putz
A Kazakh journalist was charged with "petty hooliganism” for using profanity in his complaint about media being barred from accessing flood zones.