Azerbaijan fires foreign minister The move comes as prospects for diplomatic negotiations with Armenia were already deeply troubled after days of heavy fighting between the two sides. Joshua Kucera Jul 16, 2020
Pneumonia fudge hiding scale of Central Asia's coronavirus emergency Doctors in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are growing angry at what they see as little more than a face-saving, statistical trick. Almaz Kumenov, Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jul 16, 2020
COVID-19 reality starts to hit home for Azerbaijanis Denialism and conspiracy theories about the disease appear to be in retreat as more and more people are infected. Jul 8, 2020
Azerbaijani president calls into question negotiations with Armenia As diplomatic talks stall, Ilham Aliyev blames the negotiators for failing to push Armenia toward concessions. Joshua Kucera Jul 7, 2020
Kyrgyzstan’s coronavirus outbreak reaching critical stage It is clear from a welter of circumstantial evidence that official death figures are massive undercounts. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jul 3, 2020
Perspectives | Why Moscow is embracing decentralized tech The government’s lack of capacity helps explain the about-face. Miranda Lupion Jul 2, 2020
Armenian officials rule out new lockdown even as COVID worsens "Our strategy is to learn how to live alongside the virus." Ani Mejlumyan Jun 30, 2020
Azerbaijan faces prospect of COVID doctor shortage The coronavirus has continued to spread rapidly, and President Ilham Aliyev put the blame on residents who don’t wear masks. Jun 29, 2020
Abkhazia leader meets Putin hoping for Russian bailout As coronavirus cripples the territory’s tourism season and Russia has stopped sending aid, Abkhazia faces a 10 percent GDP decline this year. Joshua Kucera Jun 25, 2020
Moscow’s delayed Victory Day in photos Most foreign leaders stayed away, but Putin’s Central Asian crew is a dependable lot. Jun 24, 2020
Pashinyan, Aliyev bow out of Moscow parade The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan cited the coronavirus for missing the big event, but the real reasons appear to be crises at home. Joshua Kucera Jun 24, 2020
Azerbaijan re-introduces electronic permits to restrict movement as COVID spread worsens The country’s public health officials also have warned that the growing outbreak is straining the country’s health care system. Jun 23, 2020
Armenia seeks security forces reorganization Behind the unexplained recent firings is a push to put the security services under greater civilian control. Ani Mejlumyan Jun 22, 2020
Kazakhstan grapples uneasily with its second coronavirus wave The country is experiencing a turnaround after apparent early successes. Almaz Kumenov Jun 18, 2020
Hundreds of Azerbaijanis languish on Russian border The labor migrants are trying to return home after losing their jobs in the coronavirus pandemic. Tensions are rising, and a protest on the border has been violently broken up by Russian police. Jun 16, 2020