Turkmenistan: Kicking the Coke habit Racketeers, cotton-picking, a Russian consultant. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Sep 3, 2019
Eurasian Union pension reforms undercut by shadow economy About half of labor migrants in Russia work without authorization, so their employers do not contribute to the state Pension Fund. Anastasya Manuylova Aug 23, 2019
Tajikistan: Russia hinders independent Tajik news website Asia-Plus was deemed extremist by Moscow for a report on a suicide attempt. Aug 5, 2019
Kazakhstan: Tokayev remarks on torture may signal new policy direction The comments were prompted by footage showing abuse of a prison inmate. Chris Rickleton Aug 1, 2019
The Kazakh centenarian who escaped the Soviets twice Asiya Sardarbek fled the Red Army in Kazakhstan and then Afghanistan. Darkhan Umirbekov Jul 26, 2019
Is Kazakhstan snooping agenda that serious? Despite the alarm among tech specialists, it is unclear if the government's surveillance plans will take hold. Chris Rickleton Jul 25, 2019
Kazakhstan: Children ombudsperson appointee sparks hope Through her charity work, Aruzhan Sain has paid for hundreds of kids to get urgently needed operations abroad. Almaz Kumenov Jul 19, 2019
How Kazakhstan fell back in love with clunkers Old cars are flooding Kazakhstan’s auto market. The smoggy air is a testimonial. Almaz Kumenov Jul 18, 2019
Kazakhstan: Latin switchover to be delayed? The completion of the transition could happen in 2035, instead of 2025. Almaz Kumenov Jul 17, 2019
Perspectives | Civic tech activism vs. digital authoritarianism The sledgehammer approach to suppressing civic activism is not working for the internet. Barbara von Ow-Freytag Jul 16, 2019
Kazakhstan: Almaty blackout suggests power options limited Residents struggled with sweltering heat as their beloved aircons were down for hours. Chris Rickleton Jul 16, 2019
Kazakh and Kyrgyz stuntmen feature in Disney’s Mulan Almaty-based Nomad Stunts is behind many of the action shots. Aliya Uteuova Jul 12, 2019
TV host’s profane anti-Putin diatribe vexes both Georgians and Russians The host expressed what many Georgians – and Russians – feel, but many worried that it could unnecessarily escalate the ongoing crisis between the two countries. Giorgi Lomsadze Jul 8, 2019
Georgia braces for exodus of Russian tourists A Kremlin embargo on tourism to Georgia has struck a blow to the rapidly growing industry and exacerbated tensions between the two countries. Giorgi Lomsadze Jun 25, 2019
Kazakhstan: Hard-up doctors say quick fixes are not the cure Doctors often pad their income by working hand-in-hand with pharmaceutical companies. They get commissions in exchange for prescribing certain drugs. Almaz Kumenov Jun 17, 2019