Kyrgyzstan: China-born MP’s seat in the balance amid scandal, confusion Orgalcha’s company has backed the president, leading some to suspect he is bending the rules to favor her. Aigerim Turgunbaeva Dec 22, 2021
Tajikistan: Little person’s bigtime courts controversy A charismatic, handicapped singer has gone viral, triggering appearances with Russian superstars and a member of the ruling family. Dec 13, 2021
Kazakhstan: China protests reach landmark, despite official war of attrition Some protesters spend most of their pensions traveling daily to picket outside the Chinese consulate. Daniyar Moldabekov and Nazerke Kurmangazinova Dec 6, 2021
Standoff in eastern Tajikistan ends peacefully Both sides have agreed to initiate a joint investigation into a recent police shooting. Nov 29, 2021
Kazakhstan looks to nuclear amid crypto-driven energy shortage The country no longer has a choice, the president says. Almaz Kumenov Nov 22, 2021
China and Georgia indifferent about each other – new paper Neither side seems to know what it wants from the other. Oct 21, 2021
Families of Tajik political prisoners plead for international help The families fear they will be murdered with the government’s connivence. Kamila Ibragimova Oct 6, 2021
Tajikistan: Officials dub man “traitor to the nation” for mild criticism The man complained that women and students were being forced to rehearse for parades. Kamila Ibragimova Sep 28, 2021
Kazakhstan bars entry to Xinjiang repression researcher Bunin has also been banned from entering Uzbekistan. Sep 6, 2021
Tajikistan: President’s home district to get a dramatic upgrade Danghara used to be a rural backwater, but it has benefitted from a targeted building boom. Jul 30, 2021
Tajikistan: Afghan crisis serves as opportunity to show off military might Central Asian leaders are engaged in a balancing act, showing they are content to live with the Taliban’s ascendancy in Afghanistan while signaling they will deal firmly with any trouble that might spill over. Jul 23, 2021
Kazakhstan: Activist detained for hypothetical anti-China picket Baibolat Kunbolat has been relentless in his campaign on Xinjiang. Jul 1, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: First lady’s prominence sets tongues wagging Aigul Japarova's charity is helping raise her profile. Jun 14, 2021
Uzbeks weigh vaccines: Russian vs. Chinese Vaccine hesitancy in Uzbekistan is high, bred by social media conspiracies that seem credible in a country without accountable authorities. Ezoza Yakvalkhodjieva Jun 2, 2021
Kyrgyzstan turns back Tajik nationals as tensions persist Bishkek says travel restrictions will remain in place until border tensions are resolved. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 26, 2021