Region
Central Asia

February 19, 2021
In Kyrgyzstan, Controversial Former Customs Official Matraimov Rearrested
By Catherine Putz
A week ago, Matraimov pleaded guilty to corruption and was fined $3,000. He may soon face new charges.

February 18, 2021
Oil Company OMV Petrom Leaves Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello
Another investor has left Kazakhstan, highlighting the worsening business climate.

February 16, 2021
Discussing Kyrgyzstan’s Political Drama with Kadyr Toktogulov
By Catherine Putz
After a tumultuous 2020, Kyrgyzstan faces continued political and economic challenges in 2021.

February 16, 2021
Uzbekistan Prioritizes Pakistani Over Iranian Ports
By Umida Hashimova
Accessing seaports at lower costs and shorter distances is a decades-old issues Tashkent is trying to solve, Pakistani ports might be the answer.

February 13, 2021
Are the Uyghurs Safe in Turkey?
By Nicholas Muller
Many in the Uyghur diaspora feel they have a target on their back.

February 13, 2021
Son of Turkmenistan’s President Gets New Post
By Catherine Putz
Serdar Berdimuhamedov will be joining the Cabinet of Ministers, another step on the road to a dynasty.

February 12, 2021
A Closer Look at Uzbekistan’s Privatization Push
By Corissa Steiner
Tashkent has promoted privatization schemes before. Is this time different?

February 11, 2021
Matraimov Admits Guilt in Corruption Scheme, Gets Off With Tiny Fine
By Catherine Putz
Despite investigative journalists finding his hands deep in a $700 million smuggling scheme, Matraimov will do no jail time.

February 11, 2021
Small Protests Persist Outside Chinese Consulate in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
In Almaty, Kazakhstan's former capital and largest city, a group of mostly old women have continued to protest Chinese policies in Xinjiang.

February 10, 2021
Off the Hook: Acquittals of Swedish Telecom Officials Linked to Uzbek Bribery Scandal Upheld
By Ian J. Lynch
The acquittal of Swedish executives whose company admitted to bribing Gulnara Karimova for access to the Uzbek telecom market undermines anti-corruption efforts.

February 09, 2021
Uzbekistan Moves Elections to October
By Catherine Putz
The country's elections -- previously held in late December -- will now be held in October.

February 09, 2021
Taliban Visit Turkmenistan, Promise (Again) to Protect TAPI
By Catherine Putz
TAPI has long been hailed as a monumentally important project – but it's unclear whether it will ever be built.