Kazakhstan

The extension of Muratbai’s detention follows a pattern in which Kazakh authorities detain Karakalpak activists pending extradition requests from Uzbekistan for the maximum time allowed by law.

While water is often characterized as a potential spark for conflict in Central Asia, it is at the same time an opportunity for cooperation. 

What are the strategic interests of the United States in the development of deposits of critical minerals in Central Asia?

Muratbai has been a vital voice in calling attention to Uzbekistan's persecution of the Karakalpak people. His detention in Kazakhstan is yet another warning shot.

It's taking residents' livelihoods, too

As Astana moves from crisis management to long-term planning mode, the challenge will be whether the government can stick to its economic reform plans. 

It’s a timid reshuffling that is unlikely to shake things up.

The emergency response system did not work properly, top officials said.

“One of the best of our people has left -- and this further complicates relations between the Karakalpaks and the Uzbek authorities,” a fellow Karakalpak activist told The Diplomat.

Kazakh President Tokayev says he “openly told Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev that the political arrogance of his close associates almost destroyed the country.” 

In both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Huawei has positioned itself as a major player in the telecommunications market.

The foreign ministers of the CSTO, of which Russia is a member, without apparent irony put out a statement that says “no state should ensure its security at the expense of the security of other states.”