Eurasianet

Cynicism abounds in this edition, from elections to visits by EU dignitaries, but then there's some upbeat talk on trains.

And U.S. officials have been touring the region chiding countries for failing to prevent Russian sanctions-busting.

And can Central Asia’s poorest countries benefit from their new importance to Russia without suffering secondary sanctions?

And even a strongman needs friends.

Spring is when unmarked uranium tailings are most vulnerable.

Plus: The geopolitical rivalry over Central Asia heats back up.

Plus: Rising gender-based violence in Kyrgyzstan

Plus: Valentine’s Day is just one challenge to dating in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Russia and Kazakhstan are doing the dirty work for Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Plus, Ukraine war brings Central Asia and Turkey closer together.

Kazakhstan reacts to fleeing Russians; worry at deescalation on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border; and Xinjiang protestors in Almaty. Subscribe to EurasiaChat.

In the first episode of our new podcast, we discuss a watershed moment in Central Asia's independent history, as Putin's war pushed the countries into China's arms. Plus, the worst violence yet between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. And more.