Region
Central Asia
Kyrgyz Journalist and Poet Detained on Suspicious Drugs Charges
By Catherine Putz
It’s hard not to link the drug charges against Bolot Temirov and Bolot Nazarov to their activities irritating certain authority figures.
How the Central Asian States Can Protect Themselves From Russia
By Andrew D’Anieri
A more integrated region will be richer, stabler, and more secure -- and countries won’t have to contemplate using their sovereignty as collateral.
Observer Now, Beneficiary Later: China and the Unrest in Kazakhstan
By Benno Zogg
China’s interests in Kazakhstan appear unaffected. As the Kazakhstani regime seeks economic growth and may tighten repression, Beijing's importance could grow.
Little Blue Helmets in Kazakhstan
By Matt Cavanaugh and Jahara Matisek
A blue line was crossed; the international community must respond.
Nazarbayev Resurfaces, Dismisses Talk of Elite Conflict in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
The statement from the First President came just after evidence of elite conflict began surfacing in earnest, with suggestions of a purge of Nazarbayev elites.
Uzbekistan Reacts to the Crisis in Kazakhstan
By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent reiterated its anti-CSTO sentiments and says it can independently control domestic issues if needed.
After Kazakhstan Crisis, China Will Reassess Its Influence in Central Asia
By Igor Denisov
Despite its economic clout in Kazakhstan, Beijing has had far less political leverage than Moscow.
China and Iran Since the 25-Year Agreement: The Limits of Cooperation
By William Figueroa
Iran may be forced to “Look East” in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA, but the Chinese government continues to look in many directions at once.
Kazakhstan: Local Politics and the Chaos in Almaty
By Colleen Wood
Resolving discontent with Almaty’s local government will be an important step in Kazakhstan’s broader political reform efforts.
After Kazakhstan Unrest, Relatives Await Detainees’ Release
By Associated Press
Authorities have refused to allow relatives or lawyers to see the 12,000 people reportedly in custody, giving little information about them.
Central Asia Continues to Supply Electricity to Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
In recent weeks, both Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have signed agreements with Afghanistan on energy supplies in 2022, despite unplanned outages.
Central Asia Braces for COVID-19 Omicron Wave
By Catherine Putz
With the arrival of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, Central Asia looks to be heading into its fourth wave of pandemic.