Region
Central Asia
Bloggers in the Crosshairs: The Complex Reality of Media Freedom in Uzbekistan
By Sher Khashimov and Asiya Kerimova
Despite presidential promises, arrests of bloggers critical of the government highlight the fragility of free speech in Mirziyoyev's Uzbekistan.
Kazakh Journalist Sadyqov Dies in Ukraine, Suspects Fled to Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
Ukrainian authorities identified two suspects, both Kazakh nationals. Open source investigations by journalists suggest the two men have government connections.
Why the Mongolian President’s First State Visit to Uzbekistan Matters
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
Concern has gripped policymakers in Uzbekistan and Mongolia over how to balance Russia, China, and the West amid rising tension over Ukraine and an unstable Afghanistan.
Reviving Energy Interdependence in Central Asia
By Peter Krasnopolsky
How the Central Asian Integrated Power System failed, and what might bring it back online.
SCO Set Grow in Astana With Addition of Belarus
By Catherine Putz
The SCO Summit will add Belarus to the roster. Xi and Putin are attending, but Modi is skipping.
Akyn Askat Zhetigen Sentenced to 3 Years by Kyrgyz Court
By Catherine Putz
The musician’s social commentary is entirely within the grand tradition of Kyrgyz akyns going back centuries. But speaking up is risky business in Kyrgyzstan these days.
Turning Out for Bishkek’s Trolleybuses
By Colleen Wood
Activists and Bishkek government officials are pushing back on the mayor’s office’s swift move to get rid of the city’s trolleybuses.
Kyrgyzstan’s Hot (Mess) Transport Summer
By Colleen Wood
A number of initiatives to shake up public transport in Bishkek have come to a head this summer.
Kyrgyzstan, EU Sign Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
By Catherine Putz
Five years after concluding negotiations, Kyrgyzstan is the second Central Asian country to sign an enhanced partnership agreement with the European Union.
Kazakh Lawmaker Says Astana Won’t Extradite Suspects in Sadyqov Case
By Catherine Putz
The Kazakhstan-Ukraine extradition treaty provides for refusal to extradite a country’s own citizens, but does obligate one side, if requested by the other, to pursue prosecution itself.
New Amendments Target Parents Seeking Islamic Education for Children in Uzbekistan
By Niginakhon Saida
If enacted, a new draft law will add fines and possible jail time for parents that seek illegal Islamic education for their children.
Ukraine to Seek Extradition of Suspects in Shooting of Kazakh Journalist in Kyiv
By Catherine Putz
Outspoken critic of the Kazakh government Aidos Sadyqov was shot in the head on June 18. His attackers allegedly fled back to Kazakhstan.