Kazakh-language film content makes progress against Russian headwinds One explanation for the continued dominance of Russian lies in Kazakhstan’s rural-urban divide. Almaz Kumenov Jun 23, 2022
Kazakhstan-Russia frictions over Ukraine war go public Shortly after Tokayev publicly dismissed Putin’s claims on Ukraine, Russian attack dogs again challenged Kazakh sovereignty. Joanna Lillis Jun 20, 2022
Book review | China’s “detached” power A new book exposes the hollowness of many Western assumptions about China’s role in Central Asia. Maximilian Hess Jun 15, 2022
Turkmenistan: Masks off Uniting in paranoia with Russia, warming to Iran, and opening for business. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Jun 14, 2022
Residents of a Karabakh village in limbo brace for handover The village of Aghavno is supposed to be ceded to Azerbaijan as soon as a new road bypassing it is finished. Many of its Armenian residents say they’re not leaving. Lilit Shahverdyan Jun 10, 2022
Tajikistan ends cold war with Iran as it seeks new trade, security partners Dushanbe regularly used to accuse Tehran of supporting militant activity, but no longer. Jun 3, 2022
Armenia limits bioweapons cooperation with U.S. amid Russian pressure Russia had again been complaining about U.S.-funded labs in Armenia. Now Yerevan is cutting off some biosecurity cooperation with the Americans. Ani Mejlumyan Jun 3, 2022
Tajikistan: Respected activist faces prison over alleged plotting with U.S. government When Tajik activists get into trouble, their Western partners “stand by mutely.” Jun 3, 2022
Perspectives | Islamic State uses Tajikistan’s dictator in recruitment drive Tajik militants fighting with Islamic State in Afghanistan are spotlighting the brutal, 30-year reign of Emomali Rahmon to attract new followers. Lucas Webber Jun 2, 2022
As Kyrgyzstan officials convey mixed messages on food security, farmers struggle on Bad weather and a Russian export ban have set Kyrgyzstan up for another lean year. Bakyt Ibraimov May 26, 2022
EU emerges as major player in Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations The last two meetings between the two countries’ leaders have been in Brussels. Moscow has noticed. Heydar Isayev, Joshua Kucera, Ani Mejlumyan May 25, 2022
Explainer | Why Tajikistan’s Pamiris don’t trust their government Dushanbe wants obedience but treats the region as something to be exploited and ignored. Bruce Pannier May 23, 2022
Tajikistan: Local residents say Pamiri leader killed by government troops Mamadbokir Mamadbokirov had been wanted by the authorities since February. May 22, 2022
Kyrgyzstan: Man sought for serving with Ukrainian army highlights Bishkek’s awkward position on war Taking part in foreign conflicts can be punished by up to eight years in prison. Nurbek Bekmurzaev May 22, 2022
Afghanistan: The Taliban’s first fall and an opening for Tajik journalists Journalists from Tajikistan played vital roles for many foreign news agencies. Text by a Tajik journalist, Photos by Parviz Amirjonov May 20, 2022