Region
Central Asia
Kazakhstan’s Evolving Afghanistan Policy
By Aziza Mukhammedova
Afghanistan’s market and its position as a trade route that can connect Central Asia to South Asian ports are critically important to Kazakhstan.
24.kg, Temirov Live Targeted With Media Raids in Kyrgyzstan
By Catherine Putz
The recent detention of journalists and raids on homes and offices mark a further expansion of the Kyrgyz government’s efforts to rein in the country’s media through overt pressure.
Kyrgyzstan: A Coup to Quash or Kusturizatsia Indigestion?
By Catherine Putz
It seems this instance of an individual "vomiting up" what he allegedly owed the state has led to some indigestion, and another alleged coup forestalled by the Kyrgyz state.
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Again Designated as Religious Freedom Violators, Granted Waivers
By Catherine Putz
Yet again, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan – alongside Saudi Arabia and Pakistan – have been granted waivers from sanctions related to their religious freedom violations.
Nietbay Urazbayev, Karakalpak Diaspora Leader, Dies in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
“One of the best of our people has left -- and this further complicates relations between the Karakalpaks and the Uzbek authorities,” a fellow Karakalpak activist told The Diplomat.
Following China’s Export of Sanctioned Goods Through Central Asia to Russia
By Dilfuza Mirzakhmedova, Shakhriyor Ismailkhodjaev, and Kamila Fayzieva
Goods exported to Russia from China via Central Asia need not be weapons in order to contribute to Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
Russian Neo-Imperialist Assertions Spark Pushback in Uzbekistan
By Mukhammadsodik Donaev
Reactions in Uzbekistan following Zakhar Prilepin’s comments are indicative of a larger, ongoing conversation about nationhood, independence, and national identity in Central Asia.
Uzbek Man Jailed for Social Media Posts Criticizing Mirziyoyev for Supporting Russia’s Putin
By Catherine Putz
Bunyodjon Boboniyozov was given a five-year sentence under criminal charges related to insulting the president and posing a threat to the constitutional order.
The Tokayev Interview and Nazarbayev’s Long Shadow
By Catherine Putz
Kazakh President Tokayev says he “openly told Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev that the political arrogance of his close associates almost destroyed the country.”
Central Asian Jihadi Perspectives on Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’
By Uran Botobekov
Tehran’s “axis of resistance” ostensibly tries to cut through the Shia-Sunni divide, but Central and South Asian Jihadi groups aren’t buying it.
Kyrgyzstan’s New Flag Debuts in Bishkek
By Catherine Putz
The rays on the sun are a little straighter -- even if the priorities of the Kyrgyz government remain wavering.
Taliban Accuse Tajik, Pakistani Citizens of Carrying out Attacks in Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
“Dozens of Tajikistan citizens have been killed in our operations and dozens of others have been arrested,” acting Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid said.