Leading Azerbaijani opposition figure enters second week of hunger strike Tofig Yagublu was detained shortly after the president warned that the opposition was using the coronavirus to destabilize Azerbaijan. Now even pro-government MPs are calling for his release. Sep 15, 2020
Azerbaijani power struggle intensifies The under-the-surface schism within the government has dominated public discourse in Azerbaijan in recent weeks. Sep 9, 2020
Tajikistan: President Rahmon confirms new run for office This scotches speculation his son was poised to take over. Aug 26, 2020
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
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
Tajikistan brings presidential election forward, to Oct. 11 Votes are usually held in November. Aug 6, 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
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
Azerbaijan faces prospect of COVID doctor shortage The coronavirus has continued to spread rapidly, and President Ilham Aliyev put the blame on residents who don’t wear masks. Jun 29, 2020
Abkhazia leader meets Putin hoping for Russian bailout As coronavirus cripples the territory’s tourism season and Russia has stopped sending aid, Abkhazia faces a 10 percent GDP decline this year. Joshua Kucera Jun 25, 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
Moscow’s delayed Victory Day in photos Most foreign leaders stayed away, but Putin’s Central Asian crew is a dependable lot. Jun 24, 2020
Pashinyan, Aliyev bow out of Moscow parade The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan cited the coronavirus for missing the big event, but the real reasons appear to be crises at home. Joshua Kucera Jun 24, 2020
Azerbaijan re-introduces electronic permits to restrict movement as COVID spread worsens The country’s public health officials also have warned that the growing outbreak is straining the country’s health care system. Jun 23, 2020