Uzbekistan: The Koryo Saram’s tragic Soviet soccer superstar A new documentary on a Soviet soccer star also tells the story of Central Asia’s ethnic Korean community, which was deported en masse to the region by Stalin. Chris Rickleton Dec 18, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Has this been a bad year for Matraimov? Or not? Although he is getting considerable negative attention, he also enjoys strong political coverage. Chris Rickleton Dec 18, 2020
Russian nationalists again rile Kazakhstan by questioning its nationhood The Foreign Ministry warns these remarks are straining relations. Almaz Kumenov Dec 15, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: MPs rush through approval for constitution referendum There are fears of an inexorable slide into a new season of authoritarianism. Dec 10, 2020
Kazakhstan: As election beckons, authorities tighten control on internet Authorities accuse critics of the measure of being NATO stooges. Almaz Kumenov Dec 7, 2020
Kazakhstan: Civil society complains of pre-election pressure Authorities have decided to inspect their tax returns just before parliamentary elections. Joanna Lillis Dec 7, 2020
Uzbekistan: The red pilgrimage to Mecca At the height of Stalin’s power, he let a handful of Soviet Muslims visit Mecca. Why? Dec 4, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Constitutional Chamber nixes attempt to halt power grab Activists worry the country is sleepwalking toward authoritarianism. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Dec 2, 2020
Kazakhstan sleepwalks toward choice-free parliamentary election But there is no papering over the festering disillusionment. Almaz Kumenov Dec 2, 2020
Kazakhstan: Nazarbayev-linked billionaire sucked into UK court battle The surprise asset freeze has sparked speculation of possible elite infighting. Joanna Lillis Dec 2, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Zere returns with new plea for action on women’s rights The artist expects to face more harassment for her song. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Nov 27, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Hundreds rally against constitutional tinkering Changes to the constitution are widely perceived as another power grab by the man who recently seized all levers of government. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Nov 22, 2020
Kyrgyzstan's proposed new constitution provokes widespread revulsion The document has been dubbed a "Khanstitution" for the powers it gives the president. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Nov 18, 2020
Kyrgyzstan's wacky electoral races There are more than 60 candidates hoping to run, but almost none are serious contenders. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Nov 18, 2020
Uzbekistan: Officials may be tested on knowledge of native language Getting a proficiency certificate could be required from 2023. Nov 16, 2020