Without a clear alternative, Pashinyan manages to cling to power While Armenians increasingly agree that the prime minister needs to step down, they are divided on who could replace him. Ani Mejlumyan Dec 10, 2020
Evidence of widespread atrocities emerges following Karabakh war The Azerbaijani government has promised to prosecute any war crimes, but many are skeptical of its sincerity. Ulkar Natiqqizi, Joshua Kucera Dec 9, 2020
Georgia’s COVID outbreak grows from molehill to “Everest” In the early days of the pandemic, Georgia enjoyed one of the most enviable rates in the world. Things began to fall apart in late summer. Giorgi Lomsadze Dec 7, 2020
Kazakhstan to start Sputnik V vaccinations early next year Trials for a domestically developed QazCovid-in vaccine are not expected to be completed until March. Almaz Kumenov Dec 4, 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
In political crisis, Armenian president makes power play The previously apolitical figure has emerged as a challenger to the embattled prime minister. But his chances of success aren’t clear. Ani Mejlumyan Dec 3, 2020
Perspectives | How China gains from Armenia-Azerbaijan war The distant war may play a role in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. Nima Khorrami Dec 2, 2020
Azerbaijan retakes control of final region as part of ceasefire deal with Armenia The handover was confused, as the current Armenian residents got multiple mixed messages over whether they could stay. Joshua Kucera Dec 2, 2020
In Armenia and Azerbaijan, families of missing in action turn to Facebook Hundreds of soldiers on each side are still missing three weeks after fighting stopped. Ulkar Natiqqizi, Ani Mejlumyan Nov 30, 2020
Uzbekistan: Pressure on media sparks international response Officials were irked by coverage about haphazard preparations for the heating season. Nov 30, 2020
Georgian politics still deadlocked after runoff polls After the opposition boycotted the second round, the ruling party’s position became even more commanding. Giorgi Lomsadze Nov 27, 2020
Tajikistan: Emomali’s Russia visit signals his emerging role Any breakthrough in improving the lot of labor migrants will be touted as sign of his political heft. Nov 26, 2020
Turkmenistan: The dammed united Travel bans, dams and Russian fans. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Nov 24, 2020
China diversifies in Central Asia Beijing has adopted a new economic model for the region, investing less in major infrastructure and spreading its risk. Dirk van der Kley Nov 23, 2020