Tag
Central Asia

The Full Story Behind China's Gold Mine-Power Plant Swap in Tajikistan
By Dirk van der Kley
The swap is the culmination of a longstanding agreement that began almost a decade ago.

Connecting Asia: Uzbekistan Looks to Capitalize on Central Asia’s Transport Potential
By Zilola Karimova
With new rail projects, Uzbekistan is contributing to the development of transport and trade in Central and South Asia.

Central Asia's Democratic Backslide Continues, Except for Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
Three states in Central Asia marked declines in the 2018 Nations in Transit report; but Uzbekistan logged its first improvement since 2005.

The Rise of Regionalism in Central Asia?
By Yi Da Jeremy Ng
Despite shared history, Central Asia has long lacked regional cohesion. That could be changing.

Kok Boru and Nowruz in Kyrgyzstan
By Nicholas Muller
The highly anticipated traditions of Nowruz converge with Kyrgyzstan’s most important sport, Kok Boru, to usher in the new year.

Where in the World Is Berdy This Week? (Hint: Not Astana)
By Catherine Putz
Turkmenistan’s president is not going to Astana on March 15 because he’ll be returning from another, more important, trip.

All Together Now: Central Asia's Leaders Set to Meet in Astana
By Catherine Putz
Central Asia's presidents -- minus one -- will gather in Astana March 15-16 to discuss regional issues.

Keeping an Eye on Uzbek President's Tajikistan Visit
By Catherine Putz
Recommended reading: Tajikistan's crusade, abetted by Turkey; some nuance on the Belt and Road and a focus on Uzbek tourism.

Could the SCO Expand Into the Middle East?
By Jonathan Fulton
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization recently added India and Pakistan. Could Iran be next?

The Ablyazov Affair: ‘Fraud on an Epic Scale’
By Stephen M. Bland
New rounds of litigation add to the opaque case of fugitive ex-Kazakh minister Mukhtar Ablyazov.

Telia's Exit Consolidates State Ownership in Kazakhstan Telecoms Sector
By Paolo Sorbello
Hit by scandals across Central Asia, Telia to sell its stake in Kcell, the largest mobile operator, to state-owned Kazakhtelecom.

Journalist's Detention a Test Case for Uzbek Regime on Human Rights
By Catherine Putz
Bobomurod Abdullaev, a journalist, was detained in September 2017 by Uzbekistan's secret police.

Deradicalization in Uzbekistan: It's About the Economy
By James D. Durso
Some of the best weapons against extremism may be as simple as a good job and a regular talk with the imam.

CASA-1000 Creeps Toward Construction Bridging Central and South Asia
By Catherine Putz
The time is quickly approaching when the CASA-1000 countries need to actually start building things.

Uzbekistan Loosens Visa Controls, Again
By Catherine Putz
Citizens of 39 countries promised simplified visa procedures and 7 countries granted visa-free travel to Uzbekistan.

The Sorrows of Kazakhstan's Generation Z
By Paolo Sorbello
The young generation most comfortable with technology is faced with a mix of old and new problems in Kazakhstan.

Nazarbayev Goes to Washington
By Catherine Putz
Bilateral trade, Afghanistan, and North Korea's nukes were on the agenda.

Notes From Kazakhstan’s Mission to the UN
By Anuar Ayazbekov
Kazakhstan is positioning itself at the heart of global diplomacy.

Remember the Eurasian Economic Union?
By Catherine Putz
Oh yeah, that...how’s that going?

The Real Future of Green Energy in Kazakhstan
By Andres Fernandez
Given the dominance of conventional energy resources, are Astana’s green energy reforms merely publicity stunts?

Uzbekistan’s President to Visit Tajikistan Soon
By Catherine Putz
While there's no date yet, the visit is expected in early 2018 and will mark a significant diplomatic step in the region.

Apologies and Blame: Former Economy Minister on Trial in Kazakhstan for Corruption
By Catherine Putz
Kuandyk Bishimbayev, accused of bribery and embezzlement, maintains his innocence.

Silk Road Fever and Another Corruption Report
By Catherine Putz
As 2018 began, a glut of Central Asia-themed reports surfaced in major media outlets; recommended reads.

With Media Law Amendments, Kazakhstan Deals a Blow to Press Freedom
By Catherine Putz
Astana consulted journalists on revisions to the country's media law, and then ignored their recommendations.