Region
Central Asia
Kazakhstan Moves Toward Ban on Sale, Rental of Agricultural Lands by Foreigners
By Catherine Putz
Five years after massive protests against changes to the land code, land remains a sensitive topic in Kazakhstan.
Is Northern Kazakhstan at Risk to Russia?
By Alimana Zhanmukanova
The “Russian Question” has always alarmed Kazakhstan’s leaders and riled up nationalists.
Uzbekistan Needs NGOs, But the Barriers Remain High
By Catherine Putz
“A developed and vibrant civil society is needed if we want to build a democratic society.”
Kyrgyz President’s Promotion of Poison to Treat COVID-19 Taken Down by Facebook
By Catherine Putz
Japarov's press secretary claims the president took the posts down himself, but Facebook says they were removed for being harmful "misinformation."
Uzbekistan Pushing to Realize the Trans-Afghan Railroad
By Umida Hashimova
Tashkent recently reassured Iran of its interest in the Iranian route to the sea, but Uzbekistan has more actively sought a new route through Afghanistan to Pakistani ports.
Europe’s Troubling Turkmenistan Engagement
By Jade McGlynn and Luke Rawlings
If they are concerned that “democracy is in retreat,” the U.K. and other leading European democracies might want to consider their own retrograde roles in the process.
Money Laundering! What Money Laundering? Case Against Matraimov Closed
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyz authorities said they were unable to find evidence of Matraimov’s alleged money laundering, despite thousands of words written by investigative journalists outlining it in detail.
Europe Adds Uzbekistan to GSP+ Trade Scheme
By Catherine Putz
The benefits -- zero tariffs on a range of goods -- come with rights monitoring requirements of shortcomings Uzbekistan may have difficulty improving.
Low Turnout for a Strong President: Kyrgyzstan Approves New Constitution
By Catherine Putz
The indifference of many and the votes of some have ushered in Kyrgyzstan’s next political phase: a return to strong presidentialism.
Turkic Council Sets Sights on Upgrade Rooted in Economic Connectivity Projects
By Umida Hashimova
The Turkic Council aims to grow its political and economic significance.
Settling Central Asia’s Borders Is No Easy Task
By Catherine Putz
People on both sides of these possibly shifting borders have strong feelings about it.
Aizada Kanatbekova: A Young Woman Kidnapped and Murdered in Kyrgyzstan
By Catherine Putz
“Bride kidnapping” is claimed by some to be a traditional practice. Others call it what it is: forced marriage, which sometimes results in murder.