Eurasianet

It was the latest in a string of arrests of people accused of smuggling in the territories Azerbaijan recaptured from Armenia in the 2020 war.

The escalation came as Azerbaijan has been trying to push Armenia to speed up the construction of a new road connecting Armenia to Karabakh.

Both have long-duration electricity supply agreements signed before the Taliban returned to power.

Ashgabat wants Afghanistan to become part of the global economy. It’s not so keen to bankroll integration, however.

Land ownership is a sensitive issue in Abkhazia. The deal also sparked controversy in Georgia proper, where critics accused the government of closing its eyes to Russian expansion.

The Taliban have begun a PR blitz against the Islamic State, which has challenged the new Afghan government’s promise to bring peace to the country and its borders.

The cause of the problem may lie in Russians hoovering up all the available greenbacks.

Baku has been reforming its armed forces with a new education system, new weaponry, and a big increase in special forces units. And it is all being modeled after Turkey’s military.

Kazakhstan says it expects to produce up to 13.5 million tons of wheat this year.

Greenpeace found radiation levels three times higher than earlier reported by the IAEA.

Since the Taliban seized power last summer, Uzbekistan has favored engagement over isolation.

Azerbaijan has increased pressure in recent weeks for Armenia to complete the pullout.

Al-Azaim Tajiki has become one of the most vigorous Islamic State evangelists targeting Central Asia.

The first 10 families moved this week into a designated “smart village” in territory Azerbaijan retook during the 2020 war with Armenia.

Turkmenistan is difficult to access, but it is a strategic location. In this week’s briefing we examine the assorted flavors of “north-south” corridor, trade with neighbors, and much more.