Region
Central Asia
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
Controversial Kyrgyz ‘Foreign Representatives’ Bill on Cusp of Becoming Law
By Catherine Putz
Despite opposition, both foreign and domestic, Kyrgyzstan continues to push forward a law that would enact further restrictions on organizations receiving funding from abroad.
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.
Bishkek’s Ever Problematic Power Plant Explodes
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov pledged to order a “complete modernization” of the plant after a February 2 explosion.
Kyrgyz Media Under Increasing Pressure, But ‘Kloop Will Continue Its Work’
By Catherine Putz
An interview with Kloop co-founder Rinat Tuhvatshin.
Kazakhstan Appoints a New Government
By Paolo Sorbello
It’s a timid reshuffling that is unlikely to shake things up.
Early Notice: Kyrgyz President Japarov Will Seek Second Term
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan’s next presidential election isn’t due until 2027, but Central Asia doesn’t always stick to schedule – making early chatter about a second term interesting.
Major Automakers May Be Using Chinese Aluminum Produced With Uyghur Forced Labor
By Simina Mistreanu
A new report from Human Rights Watch links some of the world's largest car manufacturers to aluminum allegedly produced with forced labor by Uyghurs.
The Unexonerated Speak: A New Documentary Sheds Light on Uzbekistan’s Dark Past
By Catherine Putz
Thousands were imprisoned under the regime of Islam Karimov, unjustly convicted on religious extremism and other charges. Many have been freed, but they remain unexonerated.
Acute Shortage of Cotton Pickers Results in Coercion by Officials
By Lynn Schweisfurth
The Uzbek Forum's findings from monitoring the 2023 cotton harvest point at some instances of forced labor when voluntary workers were scarce.