Kazakhstan preps trials for Nazarbayev ally, mega-rich relative Authorities appear happy to chase the former first family’s money, but are squeamish about accusing them of mutiny. Artyem Sochnev, Chris Rickleton Aug 29, 2022
Justice in Kazakhstan: Did Bloody January really turn activist into violent extremist? In a matter of days, Darkhan Ualiyev lost his brother and then his freedom. His prospects look bleak. Daniyar Moldabekov, Chris Rickleton Jun 27, 2022
Are Kazakhstan’s post-January torture investigations slowing to a stop? Reform-touting authorities show little stomach for due process. Daniyar Moldabekov, Chris Rickleton Jun 8, 2022
Kyrgyzstan’s donkeys-to-China trade courts controversy, corruption Religious mores, politics and the coronavirus have cast a shadow over one of the few Kyrgyz products China buys. Aigerim Turgunbaeva, Chris Rickleton May 30, 2022
Kazakhstan: Nazarbayev faces a rival from history Kazakhstan’s founding president blurred the memory of his late mentor. Now Dinmukhamed Kunayev is making a comeback. Daniyar Moldabekov, Chris Rickleton May 11, 2022
Kyrgyzstan: Security services say no to Moscow’s Z The letter signifies support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is inflaming passions in Bishkek. Chris Rickleton Apr 22, 2022
Casino reopening plan divides Kyrgyzstan’s elite A proposed money-spinner may be at odds with Islamic mores. The debate is playing out in parliament. Aigerim Turgunbaeva, Chris Rickleton Apr 5, 2022
Kazakhstan seeks to thread diplomatic needle over Russia’s Ukraine war Diplomats are trying to put distance between Nur-Sultan and Moscow, but Tokayev wants to show he is still loyal. Chris Rickleton Apr 4, 2022
Kazakhstan: Dying in the darkness Allegations of atrocities are coming to light that will dog Kazakhstan’s leadership for years. Daniyar Moldabekov, Chris Rickleton Jan 21, 2022
Kyrgyzstan, Centerra sit down as Kumtor problems pile up Five months since seizing control, Kyrgyzstan says it’s ready to talk. Chris Rickleton Oct 5, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: A weakened parliament back up for grabs The incumbent president will see more risks than opportunities in the next vote. Chris Rickleton Sep 20, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Afghanistan crisis seen stoking xenophobia for Pakistanis There has been a surge in the number of Pakistanis visiting for tourism. Chris Rickleton Aug 24, 2021
Central Asia and Afghanistan: Enemies at the gate? The Taliban has assured the region’s governments that it has no designs on them, but can it keep more hostile groups in check? Chris Rickleton Aug 13, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Ruling tandem in trouble? Japarov and Tashiyev came to office together, may they leave it apart. Chris Rickleton Jul 28, 2021
Will Kazakhstan reap fruits of China’s crypto crackdown? The energy-intensive cryptomining process is a source of growing environmental concern. Chris Rickleton Jul 8, 2021
Kazakhstan: Russia’s Yandex taxi in court trouble as China’s Didi circles The situation has arisen because mischief-making by a so-called patent troll. Chris Rickleton Jun 24, 2021
Kazakhstan’s green economy: Greenbacks for the Nazarbayevs? Companies close to the former president enjoy a monopoly on lucrative recycling fees. Chris Rickleton Jun 16, 2021
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway: Who is going to pay? Kyrgyzstan is flogging its section of the would-be track, but how successfully? Chris Rickleton May 17, 2021
China hounds Xinjiang data collectors A project that catalogs the victims of Chinese repression has been targeted by Beijing’s wolf warriors and Central Asian governments. Chris Rickleton May 12, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Expropriation law takes Kumtor battle to the brink Once again, a new government is targeting the country’s most lucrative mine. Chris Rickleton May 10, 2021
Kazakhstan: Oil workers resistance to jabs complicates output plans Laborers in the extractive industries are proving more adept at fighting their corner. Chris Rickleton Apr 14, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Jerooy opening marks Russia’s return to big investments Putin has thrown his weight behind the mine. Will he regret it? Chris Rickleton Mar 19, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Ballet troupe walkout shines light on culture underspending Protesting artists chose the visit of their better-paid Russian colleagues to make their point. Chris Rickleton Mar 9, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Authorities worry over fuel, food cost rises The government has limited fuel exports, citing the need to stabilize prices. Chris Rickleton Mar 5, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Kumtor’s fate uncertain once more The mine used to be President Japarov's cause célèbre, but these days he has to be more pragmatic. Chris Rickleton Feb 25, 2021