Kyrgyzstan: Last tango in Naryn Ahead of elections this weekend, one candidate’s signature campaign gimmick was to hold a contest for his daughter’s hand. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Nov 24, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Uzbek-language electioneering fuels tensions Ethnic intolerance has surfaced in an increasingly vicious political battle. Bakyt Ibraimov Nov 22, 2021
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
‘Expect less water next year,’ Kyrgyzstan warns downstream neighbors Relations between upstream and downstream Central Asian countries can be tense. This won’t help. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Nov 5, 2021
Uzbekistan: Isolated exclave excited about new air link The government promised to act after locals protested their isolation in 2020. Nov 2, 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
Kyrgyzstan fortifies border as negotiations with Tajikistan drag on Bishkek is buying armed drones while pressing Dushanbe to finalize border talks. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Oct 26, 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
Perspectives | Russia’s (not so free) trade agenda Recurring import bans by the Russian agricultural watchdog attest to a problem with Moscow’s idea of free trade. Aruzhan Meirkhanova Oct 15, 2021
To fight urban deforestation, Kyrgyzstan issues passports to trees Once celebrated for its greenery, Bishkek now has some of the world’s worst smog. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Oct 12, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Women’s wrestling team overcomes and inspires Aisuluu Tynybekova conquered poverty, prejudice and depression to win a nation’s respect. Aigerim Turgunbaeva Oct 11, 2021
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 turns off lights to prepare for crisis There will be no escaping discontent this winter. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Oct 1, 2021
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan diverge on approaches to Afghanistan Kyrgyzstan has sent a delegation to the Taliban, while neighbor Tajikistan flirts with the Afghan resistance. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva, Kamila Ibragimova Sep 24, 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
CSTO, SCO summits presage policy of wary tolerance of Taliban regime in Afghanistan Uzbekistan has pushed the case for dialogue with the new rulers in Kabul. Sep 17, 2021
Memoir | Diplomatic tradeoffs in Central Asia A senior American official describes trying to square two Bush administration priorities: human rights and the Global War on Terror. George Krol Sep 17, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Centerra execs investigated over alleged $200m embezzlement This is the latest hostile action pursued by Bishkek as it seeks a total takeover of Kumtor. Sep 17, 2021
Chinese geneticists link Kyrgyz to Pakistanis, while raising thorny ethical questions The DNA was collected in western China’s police state, Xinjiang. Could the subjects have said no without fearing retribution? David Trilling Sep 13, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Police detain activist for criticizing government Narmatova had been a supporter of President Japarov until October. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Sep 10, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Activists complain of mass wiretapping campaign Police say their court-approved snooping was wholly justified. Aug 31, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: The saga of small farmers battered by the drought Water shortages have inspired all kinds of dark rumors. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva, Photos by Danil Usmanov Aug 26, 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
Kyrgyzstan: Afghan students in limbo Students stranded in Afghanistan or separated from their families speak out. Bermet Talant Aug 23, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Five-year morality plan seen reviving nation’s fortunes The government’s blueprint is hazy when it comes to explaining how any of this will come about. Rights activists are appalled. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Aug 12, 2021
