Region
Central Asia
Japarov’s Kyrgyz Cabinet Shuffle
By Catherine Putz
Japarov selected another Japarov (no relation) to head the new Cabinet of Ministers.
Will the Taliban’s Takeover Inspire Central Asian Extremists?
By Umida Hashimova
Central Asian governments seem more sensitive to domestic and regional threats possibly invigorated by the Taliban’s rise to power.
Afghanistan Can’t Pay Its Electricity Bills
By Catherine Putz
Afghanistan imports a majority of its electricity supplies, and the bills have not been paid.
Kyrgyzstan: A Year Since October 2020
By Catherine Putz
It’s been a year since Kyrgyzstan erupted in post-election protests and precipitated the fall of yet another government in Bishkek.
How Do Central Asians View the Taliban?
By Catherine Putz
Phone survey work in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in August and September underscores general discomfort with the topic of Afghanistan.
Tensions Rise Between Tajikistan and the Taliban
By Catherine Putz
Both Russia and Pakistan have reportedly urged Tajikistan and the Taliban to cool off their war of words, concerned about conflict on the border.
Pandora Papers: Kazakhstan and the Offshore Shuffle
By Catherine Putz
OCCRP’s investigation reveals a payout of $30 million to an alleged unofficial wife of Kazakhstan’s First President.
Nuclear Energy in Kazakhstan? The Problem of Accountability
By Nazira Kozhanova
In Kazakhstan, the topic of nuclear energy comes wrapped in the legacy of the Semipalatinsk, the Soviet nuclear testing site.
Report: Putin Suggested US Use Russian Bases in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
A new Wall Street Journal report suggests that Putin offered Russian bases for the U.S. to use to monitor Afghanistan. It’s not at all clear if the offer was genuine.
Open Secrets: Expose Reveals a Kazakh Top Manager’s Business Network
By Paolo Sorbello
Public domain research by Radio Azattyq showed the extent of Kairat Sharipbayev’s private interests.
Revitalizing US Diplomatic Engagement With Central Asia
By Richard E. Hoagland and Michael S. Repass
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan underscores the need for an enhanced diplomatic approach to the region.
The Price of Gold: Kyrgyzstan’s Showdown With Western Investors
By Gabriel Gavin
A row over the Kumtor mine, featuring corruption and environmental catastrophe, threaten Kyrgyzstan’s ability to attract investment.