Turkmenistan: Money, money, money Despite Ashgabat’s fervent diplomacy, one ingredient is missing from its dream project across Afghanistan. Our weekly briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Dec 21, 2021
One year after arrests for war crimes, Azerbaijan remains silent Last year Baku took the surprising step of announcing the prosecutions of four soldiers for crimes against Armenians. But there is no word on what happened since – and no reciprocation from Armenia, either. Ulkar Natiqqizi 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
Kazakhstan: Satellite images show scale of land squatting Historic efforts to combat the problem bring back memories of a dark episode in the country's history. Almaz Kumenov Dec 8, 2021
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
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: Afghans fleeing Taliban get cold shoulder from Tashkent Uzbekistan says it will not accept Afghan refugees. Nov 18, 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
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
Kazakhstan: Boys in skirts blame Nazarbayev school suicide on conservative staff The protests have spread to several of the prestigious schools around the country. Almaz Kumenov Nov 1, 2021
Afghan students make daring escape to Kyrgyzstan Over 180 Afghan students who became trapped when the Taliban took power have finally resumed their studies in Bishkek. Bermet Talant Nov 1, 2021
Kazakhstan: Rampage follows interethnic brawl Independent experts say sweeping the tensions under the carpet is not helping. Almaz Kumenov Oct 29, 2021
Kazakhstan sees teen suicides rise again amid pandemic The authorities spot a chance to clamp down more on the internet. Almaz Kumenov Oct 27, 2021