Kazakhstan and its presidential election: A new chapter or more of the same? Ahead of the election this weekend, where the winner is a foregone conclusion, we held a Q&A with our experienced team on the ground. Joanna Lillis, Almaz Kumenov, Chris Rickleton, Aliya Uteuova Jun 7, 2019
Kyrgyzstan: One spiky little tweet exposes social fault lines What began as an argument about wedding dresses became something bigger Chris Rickleton May 24, 2019
Kyrgyzstan: Smuggling trial exposes geopolitical hazards of graft A former Kyrgyz MP was jailed in Kazakhstan for running a contraband network. Chris Rickleton Apr 26, 2019
Kazakhstan tries to slip from Xinjiang vice, gets ever more stuck Campaigners drawing attention to the Xinjiang detentions say Nur-Sultan’s public relations campaign is two-faced. Chris Rickleton Apr 5, 2019
Kyrgyzstan: Filling the Kumtor hole Concession-owners at another goldmine, Jerooy, say production may start this year Chris Rickleton Mar 27, 2019
Kazakhstan silences the Xinjiang megaphone The activist Kazakhstan detained over the weekend is a spoiler to relations with China. Chris Rickleton Mar 11, 2019
Kazakhstan: Activist for Xinjiang Kazakhs arrested for alleged hate crimes Serikzhan Bilash was flown to the capital following his arrest. Chris Rickleton Mar 10, 2019
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
