Uzbekistan: Charities resist government monopolization of social protection Critics of the government’s charities ban suspect there is politics at play, not just a desire to stem potential fraud. Aug 26, 2020
Uzbekistan: Civil society hindered in ability to contain COVID-19 corruption The chair of the Senate says $171,000 have gone missing. Aug 10, 2020
Uzbekistan: Journalists detained for sharing link to news article The website that posted the item claims it was hacked. Jul 27, 2020
Uzbekistan: After a positive start, coronavirus driving health system to precipice “They don’t have enough drugs. Don’t believe the statistics.” Jul 24, 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
The modern-day struggle sessions of Central Asia The apology or recantation is uploaded to social media. Often, there is a pretense of the repentance being voluntary. But that is not always the case. Jun 25, 2020
Tajikistan intensifies and broadens war on journalists A state TV program accuses reporters of working in league with would-be extremists. Jun 24, 2020
Tajikistan: COVID-19 outbreak offers cover for fresh assault on free press It’s open season on journalists in Tajikistan and officials aren’t shy about blaming the victims. Jun 12, 2020
Azerbaijan imposes second weekend lockdown amid anti-police outrage The authorities have indicated some sensitivity to the public mood, announcing that they are investigating evidence of excessive use of force. Jun 12, 2020
Tajikistan: Coronavirus panic puts sufferers of other illnesses in grave danger With supply chains disrupted, patients with chronic needs are unable to find key medicines. May 29, 2020
Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks cautiously, anxiously, eye return to familiar patterns Newly restored freedoms in the three countries have not come without problems and worries. Almaz Kumenov, Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 18, 2020
Eurovision shines a light into Caucasus identity politics This year, Azerbaijan embraces both the Orient and bisexuality, while Georgia complains about the West. Joshua Kucera May 14, 2020
Tajikistan: Has the president’s son already taken over? President Rahmon has kept a low profile, leaving his son to take the lead. May 5, 2020
Uzbekistan: Dam breach sends thousands running for safety Security services have begun investigating possible violations during construction. May 3, 2020
In Uzbekistan’s corner, muscle and pride Introduced after World War I by an American stuck in the Soviet Union, boxing has never been the source of so much national pride. Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska May 1, 2020