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.

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.

Political movements based on Shia Islam have faced an uphill battle, as both the government and mainstream opposition are devoted to a secular, pro-Turkic national narrative.

Turkmenistan wants to export gas to Europe without angering Russia. This and more in our weekly briefing.

Expanding Ashgabat’s dependence on China, visiting Iran, and talking north-south transportation links. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing.

Dushanbe regularly used to accuse Tehran of supporting militant activity, but no longer.

Is Azerbaijan promoting Iranian separatism? Is Iran harboring Azerbaijani Islamists?

For Azerbaijan to meet gas demand in the Balkans, billions in new investments – and patience – will be required.

The route is an alternative to a corridor crossing Armenia, one of Azerbaijan’s key demands since the 2020 ceasefire.

Turkmenistan’s president dreams big. Reliance on China remains strong. And Russia drops a bombshell. This and more in our weekly briefing.

Fresh succession talk, energy breakthroughs with Iran, eyeing Kazakhstan. Our weekly Turkmenistan briefing.

Amid pressures from climate change, hydropower dams are further disrupting cross-border water supplies. Part two in a series.

Turkmenistan is busily engaging with neighbors. Plus: Dancing diplomats and the president’s nephew liquidates a dodgy scheme after journalists exposed him. Our weekly briefing.

As hopes for an Afghanistan gas pipeline fade again, there is more upbeat news to the west.

The deal was presented by both Baku and Tehran as proof that their recent political crisis had been overcome.