Armenia ends lockdown even as COVID cases spiking Armenians are now able to go back to (open-air) bars and restaurants, and all factories are allowed to reopen. Ani Mejlumyan May 4, 2020
Tajikistan finally confirms its first 15 coronavirus cases Questions will be asked why this announcement came so late. Apr 30, 2020
Armenians protest premier for failing to stand up to Gazprom Protestors violated the state of emergency to say Pashinyan broke his promise. Ani Mejlumyan Apr 29, 2020
Tajikistan admits to pneumonia crisis, but not coronavirus Officials say 136 medical workers at one hospital have been diagnosed with the respiratory illness. Apr 28, 2020
WHO role in Tajikistan’s coronavirus-free narrative under scrutiny The World Health Organization is refusing to answer questions while it appears to support the government’s increasingly dubious claims. Apr 24, 2020
Coronavirus quiets fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan Armed forces on both sides appear not to have made many concessions to the need to social distance, but diplomats have held their first videoconference as part of the ongoing peace negotiations. Joshua Kucera Apr 23, 2020
Tajikistan: Four more deaths pinned on pneumonia Officials sticking to insistence it has registered no cases of coronavirus. Apr 22, 2020
Armenian public TV gutted after showing unguarded premier An outtake of Pashinyan’s speech has caused heads to roll and the prime minister to lash out at the media – again. Ani Mejlumyan Apr 21, 2020
Tajikistan says it has no COVID-19, attributes new death to swine flu The latest victim of something authorities insist was not COVID-19 was buried by medical personnel in protective gear. Apr 20, 2020
Coronavirus leaves Tajikistan’s labor migrants high and dry Those who made it to Russia before the scale of the crisis became evident are now stranded. Apr 20, 2020
As it attempts to reopen economy, Armenia juggles stimulus plans Businesses complain the plans do not address the scope of coronavirus-related economic damage. Ani Mejlumyan Apr 15, 2020
In trial by fire, Armenia pilots distance learning Armenia’s success with distance learning is overwhelming parents and teachers, and illuminating socio-economic divides. Ani Mejlumyan Apr 15, 2020
Tajikistan: The mysterious deaths raising suspicion Officials insist they are testing for coronavirus and finding no cases. Apr 14, 2020
Coronavirus exacerbates Armenia-Turkey rancor An initial, promising breakthrough was quickly spoiled by a dispute over an impolitic dedication on some Chinese aid to Armenia. Joshua Kucera Apr 13, 2020
Rubles in the Near Abroad: Testing a testy union Russia’s shipment of PPE to New York violated Moscow’s pledge to its closest allies. Maximilian Hess Apr 3, 2020