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
Kazakhstan ratifies updated military coop agreement with Russia Moscow is working to stop the West engaging in security dialogue with Central Asian states. Almaz Kumenov Dec 22, 2021
Taliban accidentally wires money to Tajikistan-based opposition The embassy says it refuses to give back the cash. Kamila Ibragimova Dec 20, 2021
Kyrgyzstan, where partying is tough and playing is rough The end of the harvest is a time for ritual partying in southern Kyrgyzstan. The festivities can last for days. Danil Usmanov Dec 17, 2021
Uzbekistan’s traditional wordsmiths seek legacy in a changing world Changing tastes threaten askiya, a centuries-old Uzbek tradition that prizes wit, improvisation, and mastery of language. Dec 16, 2021
Kazakhstan: New Baikonur launch facility to be named after Nazarbayev The new launchpad is designed to accommodate more environmentally safe craft. Almaz Kumenov Dec 15, 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
Uzbekistan: Female tech entrepreneur cuts out the middleman Her social media bot promises to help Uzbek farmers get their goods to market while increasing their profit margins. Joanna Lillis Dec 13, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: A stranded village on Tajik border struggles for survival Efforts to stop border trade are causing ethnic Kyrgyz to abandon a remote southern region. Peter Leonard Dec 9, 2021
Perspectives | Islamic State continues anti-Taliban PR push, with Tashkent in crosshairs The Islamic State in Afghanistan is using the Taliban’s cozy relations with Uzbekistan as propaganda fodder. Lucas Webber Dec 9, 2021
Uzbekistan pulls the plug on ‘negative influence’ TikTok festival Tashkent is regretting its early embrace of the Chinese app. Dec 8, 2021
Tajikistan press-gangs an army to defend long Afghan border The conscripts, generally Tajikistan’s poorest young men, are brutalized into service. And they are the country’s first line of defense. Kamila Ibragimova Dec 2, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Opposition leader assaulted by busloads of men Tekebayev says he was warned to stop protesting the results of the election. Dec 1, 2021
Uzbekistan: Sex, politics, and videotape An outspoken local deputy says police are trying to shame her into silence, using techniques evocative of the late Islam Karimov’s dictatorship. Dec 1, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Suspect vote-count bungling casts shadow over election The new parliament is dominated by figures loyal to the president. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva, Peter Leonard Nov 28, 2021