Region
Central Asia
USCIRF Again Highlights Violations of Religious Freedoms in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
In its latest annual report, USCIRF recommends designating Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as "countries of particular concern" and asks for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to be included on the special watch list for religious freedom violators.
As Expected, Uzbek Constitutional Referendum Approved
By Catherine Putz
With Karimovesque numbers and a lack of open debate or opposition, Mirziyoyev's constitution was approved in Uzbekistan.
Tajikistan’s Pamirs: A Perfect Political Storm on the Roof of the World
By Klas Lundström
The table is set for the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast to remain a geopolitical hotspot, as important as it is distant.
Kazakhstan’s Druzhba Prospects: Central Asian Oil to Supply Europe?
By Mikhail Strokan
As the EU seeks to substitute Russian energy resources, Kazakhstan sees an opportunity.
Court Orders RFE/RL’s Radio Azattyk Shut Down in Kyrgyzstan
By Catherine Putz
RFE/RL plans to appeal the court’s decision and has made clear that it has no intention of abandoning its audience in Kyrgyzstan.
New Charges in Kyrgyzstan’s Kempir-Abad Case
By Catherine Putz
Rather than backing down, the Kyrgyz government has reportedly filed new charges against the large group of politicians and activists detained last October.
Will Tajikistan Meaningfully Engage on Religious Freedom?
By Nury Turkel and Eric Ueland
The visit of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief provides a unique opportunity for increased engagement and the potential for positive reform.
The Kazakhstanis Picking Sides in Putin’s War in Ukraine
By Dan Storyev and Nazeer Baturin
While Kazakhstan's government is balancing, these Kazakhstanis have already picked a side in Putin's war on Ukraine.
China Affirms Ex-Soviet Nations’ Sovereignty After Uproar
By Associated Press
The Chinese ambassador to France suggested in an interview that the states of the former Soviet Union were not recognized as sovereign. Beijing walked the comments back.
The Samarkand Meeting: A Half-baked Regional Approach to Afghanistan’s Endless Woes
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Legitimizing the Taliban’s rule is not the solution to Afghanistan’s current and future problems.
Karim Massimov, Former Kazakh Intelligence Chief, Sentenced to 18 Years on Treason, Coup Charges
By Catherine Putz
Massimov’s supporters say the case against him was politically motivated, an incident of clear scapegoating.
The Strategic Logic of Russia’s Embrace of the Taliban
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
The Afghanistan issue gives Moscow another reason to remain closely engaged in the security affairs of Central Asia.