Kazakh TikTokers conquer the world, incite suspicion at home The world’s most popular TikTok house is in Almaty. Not all locals are happy about it. Almaz Kumenov Dec 7, 2021
Azerbaijan’s anti-vaxxers remain on the fringe Compared to its neighbors, anti-vaccine sentiment hasn’t really taken hold in Azerbaijan. Some are still trying, though. Heydar Isayev Dec 6, 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
Facing yet more toxic waste, Kazakh town says NIMBY A grassroots environmental campaign has implications far beyond the small Kazakh town where it started. Artyem Sochnev Dec 3, 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
Roman empire’s easternmost aqueduct discovered in Armenia The unfinished structure was the result of a brief period of direct Roman control over Armenia in the second century CE. Joshua Kucera Nov 24, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Uzbek-language electioneering fuels tensions Ethnic intolerance has surfaced in an increasingly vicious political battle. Bakyt Ibraimov Nov 22, 2021
Uzbekistan: Afghans fleeing Taliban get cold shoulder from Tashkent Uzbekistan says it will not accept Afghan refugees. Nov 18, 2021
Turkmenistan: Guess WHO’s coming to dinner The World Health Organization continues to indulge Turkmenistan’s lies about the coronavirus. Our weekly briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Nov 16, 2021
Kazakhstan’s soccer rout invites scrutiny: Where have all the billions gone? The devastating loss to France was not only “an embarrassment for the country,” but also a moment to reflect on lavish government spending. Almaz Kumenov Nov 15, 2021
Tajikistan: Teachers leaving for Russia and not looking back Salaries were always horribly low but living costs have soared since the pandemic began. Nov 10, 2021
Severe dust storm engulfs Uzbekistan Drought and construction have contributed to the worst dust storm in Uzbekistan’s recorded history. Nov 5, 2021
Uzbekistan: Outraged netizens win partial victory over social media blocks The president signed legislation that shuttered the sites. Then after an outcry, he saved the day. Joanna Lillis Nov 3, 2021
Facebook caught up in Kazakhstan internet crackdown The backer of a strict new internet law says he may now soften the terms. Zholdas Orisbayev Nov 2, 2021
Turkmenistan: Situation normal all trucked up Arbitrary collective punishment, breadlines before dawn, and a resurgence of diplomacy. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Nov 2, 2021