High-profile COVID wedding highlights Azerbaijani political schism A longtime gray cardinal is in trouble after violating social-distancing laws. But breaking rules is what bigwigs do in Azerbaijan. Aug 26, 2020
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
Abkhazia calls for volunteers to help with COVID outbreak Many in the territory blame the rising numbers of coronavirus cases on the authorities’ decision to open up to Russian tourists. Joshua Kucera Aug 19, 2020
Russian tourists flood into newly reopened Abkhazia The territory's public health officials have warned against opening up to tourism, and the arrival of tourists has coincided with a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases. Joshua Kucera Aug 11, 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
Azerbaijani president slams State Oil Company, announces privatization In an unprecedented speech, Ilham Aliyev blasted the “socialist economic model” behind his country’s largest companies. Aug 9, 2020
Tajikistan brings presidential election forward, to Oct. 11 Votes are usually held in November. Aug 6, 2020
Here’s looking at EAEU #3: Whining and dining There is no setback in the EAEU, it would appear, that cannot be fixed with a roadmap. Here’s looking at EAEU Aug 6, 2020
China business briefing: Unclear borders, uneasy neighbors Our monthly briefing on China in Central Asia. Niva Yau Aug 3, 2020
Tajikistan: Coronavirus brings bonanza of aid, but zero accountability $300 million has been given and another $70 million may be on the way Jul 29, 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
Tajikistan: Coronavirus taking heavy toll on remittances Transfers have fallen by at least 15 percent so far this year. Jul 22, 2020
Armenian opposition unites around army, snipes at PM The military clashes this week have become the latest cause for partisan squabbling. Ani Mejlumyan Jul 17, 2020
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