Region
Central Asia
A COVID-19 Loan for COVID-Denying Turkmenistan
By Lorena Cotza
The World Bank approved a COVID-19 loan for Turkmenistan, despite journalists reporting on the pandemic there being thrown in jail.
3rd Meeting of Central Asian Leaders: A Small Step Toward the Formation of a Regional Order?
By Filippo Costa Buranelli
Presidential meetings in Central Asia are often dismissed for a lack of concrete results and for their exclusively ceremonial character. But there are good reasons to take the latest meeting seriously.
Afghanistan and Central Asia’s ASEAN Moment
By Moez Hayat
The Central Asian republics can learn from the experience of Southeast Asia and use the crisis in Afghanistan to spur forward regional cooperation at a time of great power competition.
Akayev Asks for Forgiveness Over Kumtor, Flies Back to Russia
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan’s first president admitted to making mistakes regarding the mine.
The Fight for Afghanistan’s Future
By Ankit Panda
What lies ahead for Afghanistan as the United States withdraws and fighting between the Taliban and the government intensifies?
Can Uzbekistan and Pakistan Help Stabilize Afghanistan?
By James Durso
Focusing on trade networks, Afghanistan’s neighbors hope to forge regional stability in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal.
Central Asian Leaders Set to Meet in Turkmenistan for Third Consultative Meeting
By Catherine Putz
Following summits in 2018 and 2019, the 2021 meeting comes amid a great number of regional difficulties and concerns.
With Eyes on Afghanistan, Russian Military Exercises in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
Meanwhile, Russian diplomats continue to press support for a negotiated settlement between Kabul and the Taliban, with a side of shade thrown at the Americans.
Upcoming Parliament Elections Present New Opportunities and Challenges for Kyrgyzstan
By Ilgiz Kambarov
Kyrgyzstan’s parliament will shrink and change after the next election, expected later this year, under new legislation and a new constitution.
Kumtor Case: Another Former Kyrgyz Prime Minister Detained
By Catherine Putz
With another former prime minister arrested, the Kumtor case grows. Meanwhile, some have been released and others kept in custody.
Kyrgyzstan’s First Ousted President Returns to Cooperate With Kumtor Investigation
By Catherine Putz
After 16 years, Askar Akayev returned to Kyrgyzstan in connection with the Kyrgyz state’s growing case against the Canadian mining company Centerra Gold.
Akim Elections: More Cosmetic Reform in Kazakhstan?
By Colleen Wood
Direct election of village leadership is another example of cosmetic reform in Kazakhstan.