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
Tajikistan on track to suffer region’s worst COVID-19 outbreak Total number of cases reached 907 by May 14. May 14, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Rapper voices nation’s angst in the time of coronavirus Sayasat is based on stories pulled straight from the headlines. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 13, 2020
Tajikistan: Reporter for independent newspaper assaulted Gurbati had been a target of a smear campaign by pro-government trolls. May 11, 2020
Kyrgyzstan’s coronavirus tracking app alarms privacy advocates There is anecdotal evidence that although the app is voluntary, many people are being pressured into loading it on their phones. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 8, 2020
Azerbaijani villagers fear hunger, poverty more than COVID “The police say you can't go out the door, but no one says your husband can't beat you.” Meltem Talibzade May 7, 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
Several local officials arrested in Azerbaijan for COVID corruption Skeptics say the roundup is a show meant to create the illusion of fighting corruption even as higher-level officials remain untouched. Joshua Kucera May 5, 2020
Tajikistan plunges from denial to full-blown crisis As the confirmed cases quickly mount into the hundreds, doctors complain of lack of resources. May 4, 2020
Chinese business briefing: Aid and trade China has a lot to brag about. And a few things to hide. This and more in our monthly report on Chinese business in Central Asia. Niva Yau May 4, 2020
Azerbaijanis in lockdown send love letters to their president The trend is evocative of Azerbaijan’s Soviet past, when young pioneers wrote precocious letters to the editor about the nation’s astute leaders. Giorgi Lomsadze Apr 30, 2020
Tajikistan finally confirms its first 15 coronavirus cases Questions will be asked why this announcement came so late. Apr 30, 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
Kyrgyzstan’s sewing industry reorients to survive coronavirus slump Some enterprising souls have seized the moment to keep their businesses alive. Their main problem now is government flip-flopping and bureaucratic hurdles. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Apr 27, 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