Region
Central Asia
China in Afghanistan: Trade and Terrorism
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Sean Roberts.
Can the Taliban Play China and Russia Off the United States?
By Catherine Putz
The consensus is that negotiation is the only way out of the conflict for Afghanistan, but that only holds true if the international community is united. It’s not.
Weightlifter Guryeva Wins Turkmenistan’s 1st Olympic Medal
By James Ellingsworth
The silver medal is Turkmenistan’s first since independence in 1991.
Kyrgyz Politician Arrested for Involvement in October Unrest Begins Hunger Strike
By Catherine Putz
Jenish Moldokmatov, a harsh critic of President Japarov, is facing charges of orchestrating riots during last October's unrest; the same unrest that saw Japarov rise to power.
Tajikistan’s Latest COVID Outbreak: The Rahmon Family
By Catherine Putz
Tajikistan’s leaders declared the country COVID-free back in January, but the recent death of the president’s sister, reportedly from COVID-19, exposes the reality: The pandemic isn’t over.
Russia to Hold Military Drills Near Afghan Border in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
Moscow is also reported to be open to some kind of cooperation with the U.S., though far short of American bases in Central Asia.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Turkmenistan’s Digital Transformation
By Rustam Muhamedov
As the Turkmen president’s son continues his tour of top government positions, digitalization remains a critical priority for the regime.
A Fateful Moment for the CSTO on the Afghan Border
By Shuhrat Baratov
The Taliban’s recent lightning offensive in northern Afghanistan may be a litmus test for the relevance of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization.
Greater Coordination in Central Asian Responses to Afghan Border Troubles
By Umida Hashimova
Central Asian countries have begun coordinating their responses to the worsening security situation in Afghanistan.
Concerns Rise as Kyrgyzstan Enacts New NGO Controls
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan has added additional reporting requirements for NGOs in the name of financial transparency, but opportunities for misuse concern activists and foreign governments.
Afghanistan and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
By Ahmad Bilal Khalil
Why is the Afghan government pursuing full membership in the SCO, and what would that step mean for the grouping?
Allegations of Torture and Kyrgyz Involvement in Orhan Inandi case
By Catherine Putz
Inandi's lawyer suggests possible Kyrgyz involvement in his client's kidnapping; others suggest Inandi has been tortured.