Region
Central Asia
Uzbekistan’s Religious Figures React to Karakalpakstan Unrest
By Niginakhon bintu Saida
Given the increasingly prominent role of Islam in Uzbekistan's society, Muslim leaders felt it necessary to chime in on the recent protests.
The Trans-Afghan Railway Line: Back on Track?
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
The Trans-Afghan railway project is gathering momentum as Uzbekistan seeks access to Pakistan's ports. But can the project overcome security, geographic, and financial hurdles?
What Happened at the Latest Central Asian Leaders’ Meeting?
By Aizada Nuriddenova
The world has changed profoundly since the last Central Asian Consultative Meeting, yet the new regional grouping carries on.
Turkmenistan Under Serdar: Has Anything Changed?
By Merdan Amanov
Four months into Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s presidency much remains the same, but there have been changes too.
What Is China’s Role in Central Asia’s Changing Climate?
By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez
As climate change hits Central Asia, China needs to be a team player regarding water.
Exclusive: From Prison, Kazakh Journalist Makhambet Abzhan Explains His Case
By Cheryl L. Reed
Abzhan admits a role in the events that led to his arrest, but suggests the situation was a set-up by the Kazakh authorities.
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway: Opportunities and Challenges for China
By Yunis Sharifli
While the hope is for the CKU route to begin construction in 2023, there remain significant challenges to realizing the railway.
Ethnic Kazakh From Xinjiang Detained in Europe, Again
By Catherine Putz
Three years after fleeing China, an ethnic Kazakh man continues to struggle to find a safe place to land.
Russia’s War Puts Central Asia’s Economies in a Difficult Position
By Catherine Putz
The states of Central Asia were, unsurprisingly, on a recent list of possible “transshipment points” Russia and Belarus may use to evade sanctions.
Kazakhstan Oil Exporters Relieved as Russian Court Lifts Ban on Pipeline
By Paolo Sorbello
Most of Kazakhstan’s oil exports go through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which has been targeted by Russian courts.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s First Big Cabinet Shuffle
By Catherine Putz
Like father, like son: Serdar Berdimuhamedov made his first significant cabinet shuffle. The process remains as opaque as ever.
Will Rybakina’s Wimbledon Win Really ‘Put Kazakhstan on the Map of World Tennis’?
By Catherine Putz
Born in Moscow, Rybakina switched citizenship and federations to Kazakhstan in 2018.