Region
Central Asia
China Buys Turkey’s Silence on Uyghur Oppression
By Aykan Erdemir and Philip Kowalski
Turkey has joined the list of majority Muslim countries that have opted for silence in dealing with the one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time.
Kyrgyz Court Unsurprisingly Upholds Rulings Against Atambayev and Isakov
By Catherine Putz
Atambaeyv’s second trial is still in progress, but previous cases against the former president and his ally, Sapar Isakov, were recently upheld.
Turkey’s COVID-19 Diplomacy in Central Asia
By Shahid Hussain
Ankara has deployed heath care diplomacy in Central Asia and the Caucasus in the neverending contest for influence.
Death and Denial in Turkmenistan
By Catherine Putz
The Turkmen government’s inconsistent messaging about the nature and nearness of the COVID-19 pandemic threat has doomed its citizens to confusion and death.
Uzbekistan’s Role in Afghan Reconciliation
By James Durso
Uzbekistan and the Central Asian states can offer Afghanistan a neighborly helping hand and the Taliban a clear understanding of their new responsibilities and obligations.
The Xinjiang Camp Debt Trap
By Safiya Sadyr
New revelations bring to light financial abuses of those interned in China’s “training centers” in Xinjiang.
Court Releases Activist in Kazakhstan in High-Profile Case
By Paolo Sorbello
A judge in Kazakhstan handed an activist a 1.5 year suspended sentence after she knocked off the hat of a policeman during a scuffle in June.
Kyrgyzstan and Belarus: Congratulations and Notes of Protest
By Catherine Putz
One day, a note of congrats for Lukashenko; the next a note of protest because Lukashenko appeared with a wanted former Kyrgyz prime minister.
Uzbek Journalist Detained in Kyrgyzstan at Tashkent’s Request
By Catherine Putz
In 2018, Bobomurod Abdullaev walked out of jail in Uzbekistan after a surprising conclusion to a case levied against him by the state. New charges could mark a step backward.
Corruption and the Fruits of Kleptocracy: The Saga of the Karimova Sisters Continues
By Ian J. Lynch
For every international pariah like Gulnara Karimova, there are far more kleptocrats who remain free and able to indulge in the high life.
Will Tajikistan Ever Join the Eurasian Economic Union?
By Umida Hashimova
If Uzbekistan enters the EAEU, Tajikistan will have little choice but to follow.
Protest Körpe: Quilting Together ‘Real’ and Digital Dissent in Kazakhstan
By Colleen Wood
Creative demonstrations for an imprisoned activist in Kazakhstan bridge digital and real-world engagement.