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
A Georgian COVID-19 survival story Georgia’s coronavirus prevention efforts have been widely praised. But its treatment strategy also appears to have been a success. Giorgi Lomsadze Jul 1, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Internet gagging law brings demonstrators onto the street Critics see only oppressive censorship in the new legislation. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jun 29, 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
Kyrgyzstan's plagiarized internet gagging bill getting easy ride through parliament Authorities may get powers to shut websites they deem to contain false information. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jun 20, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Shocking case of domestic violence sparks demand, if little hope, for change Reported cases of domestic violence rose 65 percent year-on-year. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jun 15, 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
Armenia: US government funding COVID disinformation Articles on the U.S. Embassy-sponsored website call COVID-19 a "fake pandemic" and oppose vaccines. Health experts warn it could make the crisis worse. Tatev Hovhannisyan May 28, 2020