Kyrgyzstan: President’s allies dominate parliamentary race The four parties friendliest to President Sadyr Japarov have spent more than all 17 other parties combined. Bermet Talant Nov 10, 2021
Afghan students make daring escape to Kyrgyzstan Over 180 Afghan students who became trapped when the Taliban took power have finally resumed their studies in Bishkek. Bermet Talant Nov 1, 2021
Conservative Kyrgyz tabloid addresses women’s rights An outlet with a history of publishing attacks on women has launched an online talk show to fight gender stereotypes. Bermet Talant Oct 19, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Afghan students in limbo Students stranded in Afghanistan or separated from their families speak out. Bermet Talant Aug 23, 2021
Taliban, weather, geopolitics: Afghanistan’s Kyrgyz wrestle with ‘stay or go?’ The small community has been thrust back into the news by the Taliban advance. But there are no easy answers to questions about their future. Bermet Talant Aug 9, 2021
Kyrgyz parliament sneaks through “fake news” law with president’s blessing A local watchdog says the bill “introduces censorship.” Bermet Talant Jul 29, 2021
Kyrgyzstan tightens control over NGOs, taps anti-Western sentiment Critics say the law aims to mire non-government organizations in bureaucracy. Bermet Talant Jul 12, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Talk of visa waiver for Chinese tourists sparks ire Opponents of the move worry it will lead to an influx of unregistered laborers Bermet Talant Oct 12, 2018
Feminist song draws supporters and death threats in Kyrgyzstan Pleas for civility and respect from Zere Asylbek, a songwriter in Bishkek, have been drowned by rage over her clothing. Bermet Talant Sep 18, 2018