Region
Central Asia
US Puts Additional Central Asian Companies on Russia Sanctions List
By Catherine Putz
The latest round of sanctions designations included a Kyrgyzstan-based company and two firms based in Kazakhstan.
Karakalpak Activist Muratbai Given Asylum Seeker Status in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
The certificate delays his extradition to Uzbekistan and could lead to the granting of refugee status. But in practice, the country rarely grants refugee status to anyone.
Afghanistan Under the Taliban: Recognition, Security, and Geopolitics
By Catherine Putz and Ankit Panda
What is the state of play in Afghanistan today?
In Farcical Vote, Kyrgyz ‘Foreign Representative’ Law Moves Ahead Again
By Catherine Putz
Despite being under serious government pressure, Kyrgyz media reported that some deputies cast votes for their absent colleagues in violation of parliamentary rules.
Fratricidal Jihad: Assessing the Central Asian ISKP Attacks on Turkey
By Uran Botobekov
Due to linguistic, religious, and cultural commonalities, members of the Islamic State and al-Qaida from Central Asia can often bypass security filters in the wider Turkic world.
Slow Suffocation in Central Asia
By Alva Omarova
A lack of political will on the part of Central Asian governments prevents the region from dealing seriously with its air quality problem.
Prominent Karakalpak Activist Aqylbek Muratbai Facing Extradition From Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
Muratbai has been a vital voice in calling attention to Uzbekistan's persecution of the Karakalpak people. His detention in Kazakhstan is yet another warning shot.
Japan’s Role in Healing the Aral Sea and Engaging Central Asia
By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez and Marin Ekstrom
Tokyo is a quiet but important partner to Central Asia, with notable engagement on projects related to the Aral Sea.
Why Is Tashkent Reluctant to Reconnect with Ethnic Uzbeks Abroad?
By Niginakhon Saida
Although there are millions of ethnic Uzbeks in neighboring countries, the Uzbek government does not seriously entertain the idea of building bonds with them. Why?
Smugglers and Scammers Make Wild Promises to Uzbeks Desperate to Reach US
By Catherine Putz
Uzbek citizens interested in getting to the United States are confronted with a confusing miasma of regulations, made all the more murky by disinformation and scammers.
Climate Change Is Fueling the Disappearance of the Aral Sea
By Victoria Milko
It's taking residents' livelihoods, too
Can Kazakhstan Stay the Course on Economic Reform?
By Bryn Windsor
As Astana moves from crisis management to long-term planning mode, the challenge will be whether the government can stick to its economic reform plans.