Region
Central Asia
Former Kazakh Health Minister Detained in Corruption Probe
By Catherine Putz
Birtanov was minister until late June when he resigned after contracting COVID-19.
Russia, China Cautiously Watch Kyrgyzstan’s Lingering Political Turmoil
By Catherine Putz
Treading carefully, both Moscow and Beijing have engaged the new Japarov government but with a markedly light touch.
Is This Tajikistan’s #MeToo Moment?
By Sher Khashimov, Steve Swerdlow, and Sher Khashimov and Steve Swerdlow
Could a court decision punishing a victim of sexual harassment and the newspaper that helped her be Tajikistan’s #MeToo moment?
Tajiks Stuck in Russia, Flights Home Cancelled
By Catherine Putz
A pair of November 1 charter flights from Moscow to Dushanbe were cancelled.
New Election Dates and Challenges for Kyrgyzstan
By Catherine Putz
The presidential elections are now set for January 10, while challenges have been filed over the cancellation of the December 20 parliamentary redo.
What Do Kazakhs Think of Borat?
By Assem Almukhanbetkyzy and Kristi Eaton
With a new film, the satirical character is back in the headlines – and so is Kazakhstan, his supposed home.
The Distance Between Moscow and Russia’s Far East Is Growing
By Gabriel Gavin
Tensions in Siberia are growing, fueled by fears around Chinese investment and resentment at being governed from another continent.
Understanding Tazabek, a Kazakh Islamic Celebrity
By Issatay Minuarov
A newly introduced weekly program on a Kazakh state TV channel has sparked sharp public criticism and a campaign against its host – Mukhamedzhan Tazabek.
Kyrgyzstan Punts on Elections to Pursue Constitutional Reforms
By Catherine Putz
The Kyrgyz parliament voted to cancel forthcoming new parliament and presidential elections to make way for constitutional reforms.
Japarov’s Many Promises: Can Stability Emerge From Chaos in Kyrgyzstan?
By Ilgiz Kambarov
Will Kyrgyzstan’s new leader be able to address imminent politico-economic challenges and accomplish his all stated promises?
How US Sanctions Drove Iran Into Huawei’s Arms
By Reza Khaasteh
U.S. sanctions kicked Ericsson out of Iran. Now the Chinese telecom giant is poised to win the 5G race in the country.
Date Set for Kazakhstan’s Parliamentary Elections
By Catherine Putz
If the past sets any precedent, we can expect an overwhelming win for Nur-Otan - the ruling party headed by First President Nursultan Nazarbayev