Kazakhstan: Documentary on famine proves a smash hit The filmmaker has courted controversy with complaints that the government has overlooked the famine. Chris Rickleton Feb 4, 2019
Kazakhstan: People vs. Police The reputation of Kazakhstan’s police has suffered blow after self-inflicted blow. And few seem to believe the government is interested in reform. Chris Rickleton Jan 16, 2019
Kyrgyzstan Instagram star comes of age and flies the nest The Internet’s vast potential for self-expression seems more relevant in Central Asia than ever before. Chris Rickleton Jan 7, 2019
Kazakhstan: Latest Nazarbayev biopic leads a path to sleep The movie is a forgettable addition to the presidential cult of personality. Chris Rickleton Jan 4, 2019
Kazakhstan: Telegram app trial ends badly for father of four The conviction is intended to send a message to anybody dabbling with online opposition politics. Chris Rickleton Sep 21, 2018
Kyrgyzstan hosts third Nomad Games, and passes the torch Kyrgyzstan is turning over the biennial event to other Turkic countries. Nicholas Muller, Chris Rickleton Sep 7, 2018
Erdogan visit delights some in Kyrgyzstan, annoys others The Turkish leader is insistent Bishkek do more to squeeze out followers of Fethullah Gulen. Chris Rickleton Sep 3, 2018
Heads roll in Kazakhstan months after child rape scandal It was only when the story reached social media that authorities began to take action. Chris Rickleton Aug 30, 2018
Messaging app goes on trial in Kazakhstan Kazakhstan’s government is targeting users of Telegram for discussing politics. Chris Rickleton Aug 29, 2018
What was Manafort actually doing in Kyrgyzstan? The U.S. lobbyist was allegedly trying in 2005 to plead with Bishkek to close a US airbase. Chris Rickleton Aug 23, 2018
Kazakhstan: In two minds about cryptocurrencies The rise and fall of a cryptocurrency-themed burger joint could be a salutary warning against overexuberance. Chris Rickleton Jul 27, 2018
Tajikistan and Russia in Pamir military drills first The unusual exercises may be a response to Chinese security interests in the region. Chris Rickleton Jul 17, 2018
Kyrgyzstan: Parliament back on the donkey trail again? A lawmaker has demanded the closure of a donkey farm he says poses a health hazard. Chris Rickleton Jul 6, 2018
Kazakhstan: Feisty newspaper rages against the dying of the light Many other independent regional media outlets have softened their reporting after years of pressure from government. Chris Rickleton Jun 28, 2018
Uzbekistan still mourns a soccer generation lost to air crash The team of the mid-to-late 1970s that consisted almost exclusively of Uzbekistan-born players was particularly beloved. Chris Rickleton Jun 12, 2018
Kyrgyzstan: Jeenbekov goes to Beijing with China the talk of Bishkek Top allies of the former president are under investigation over their dealings with a Chinese company. Chris Rickleton Jun 6, 2018
Kyrgyzstan: Bride-kidnapping case triggers rare UN response The killer murdered his victim while she was at a police station waiting to give a witness statement. Chris Rickleton Jun 1, 2018
Kazakhstan: Government concerns for media ring hollow While officials worry about the state of the press, activists say the government is the main enemy of media freedom. Chris Rickleton May 24, 2018
Uzbekistan aglow after president’s successful US visit But Tashkent will have to do its own legwork in new strategic partnership. Chris Rickleton May 18, 2018
Kazakhstan: World War II parade puts local authorities in a bind Authorities are trying to co-opt the Immortal Regiment memorial march. Chris Rickleton May 10, 2018
Kyrgyzstan: Rival camps play appointments ping-pong as government teeters A top security official fired by the president has been appointed to another senior post by the PM. Chris Rickleton Apr 17, 2018
Kazakhstan: Child Rape Media Frenzy Puts Officialdom on Trial The government ombudswoman for children’s rights paraded the boy before television crews and bloggers. Chris Rickleton Mar 21, 2018
Kazakhstan: Kyrgyz Lawmaker Held After Smuggling Sweep The arrest comes only a few months after a row between the two countries about the problem of smuggling. Chris Rickleton Feb 19, 2018
Kazakhstan: Men's Health Magazine Says Nuts to Women's Health The magazine has mocked a women’s health campaign by urging men to scratch their scrotums. Chris Rickleton Feb 16, 2018
Uzbekistan: Contentious Figure Takes Over Top Boxing Post Gafur Rakhimov, who has been linked by US authorities to organized crime, has promised to “make boxing great again." Chris Rickleton Jan 29, 2018
