Region
Central Asia
Kyrgyz Ministry Blocks RFE/RL Website Over Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Report
By Catherine Putz
Last year, Kyrgyzstan passed a “fake news” law. This year, it’s been used to suspend access to at least two media outlets.
No, Uzbekistan Isn’t Assembling Iranian Drones for Russia
By Catherine Putz
There’s no evidence that Uzbekistan is assembling Iranian drones for Russia to use in Ukraine, but Tashkent’s firm retort to the suggestion underscores its difficult geopolitical position.
How China Boosts Iran’s Digital Crackdown
By Nima Khorrami
Amid ongoing protests, Iran is looking to accelerate its adoption of China’s AI surveillance and internet censorship methods.
Kazakhstan’s Former Health Minister Accuses ‘Medical Mafia’ of Meddling
By Paolo Sorbello
The trial of the former health minister could shed light on the direction of “New Kazakhstan.”
Opposition to Kyrgyz-Uzbek Border Deal Swept Up in Mass Arrest
By Catherine Putz
At least 20 activists and political figures opposed to the deal have been detained in Kyrgyzstan.
For Sale: Uzbek Babies, Never Parented.
By Niginakhon Saida
“Shame” culture and poverty are forcing some Uzbek women to sell their newborns for pennies and purity.
UK Court to Hear Uyghur Demands to Ban Xinjiang Cotton
By Associated Press
Lawyers representing the Uyghurs will argue that the British government's inaction breaches existing U.K. laws prohibiting goods made in foreign prisons or linked to crime.
New Military Doctrine Strengthens Kazakhstan’s Multi-vector Posture
By Gregory Gleason
The new version of Kazakhstan’s military doctrine signals that Astana intends to hold fast to the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Russia’s War in Ukraine and Its Impact on Central Asia
By Yunis Sharifli, Chia-Lin Kao , and Bermet Derbishova
The war’s negative impacts on regional economies outweigh any incidental benefits, and Central Asians know it.
Kazakhstan Tries New Oil Export Routes
By Paolo Sorbello
This year’s disruptions have made the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) a risky option.
China Speeds up Its ‘Look West’ Strategy
By Nian Peng
Central Asia is becoming more and more crucial to China’s interests, and Beijing’s recent diplomacy reflects that.
To Deepen Relations With Uzbekistan, Turkey Leans on Cultural Appeal
By Niginakhon Saida
Amid a rapid rapprochement, Ankara has relied on soft power in Uzbekistan by strengthening cultural ties in language and education opportunities. But is it enough?