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
Perspectives | The BRI is not at the end of the road Don’t judge the Belt and Road Initiative by its bottom line. Beijing wants to make the rules. Srdjan Uljevic Dec 16, 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
Tajikistan's last opposition party targeted for prosecution Odinayev had called for a demonstration to protest against price rises. 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
Tajikistan: Independent media outlet evicted from premises Asia-Plus says it has rejected requests from government agencies to place content. 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