War in the Caucasus hits close to home for Turkey’s Armenians Some are speaking out against the conflict despite fears the government’s strong support for Azerbaijan could fuel nationalist reprisals. Ayla Jean Yackley Oct 21, 2020
Central Asia: Belt and Road takes back seat in Chinese envoy’s tour Beijing is eager to show solidarity as the coronavirus pandemic rumbles on. Chris Rickleton Sep 16, 2020
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
Here’s looking at EAEU #4: Belarus backs itself into trade corner Hypocritical election congratulations underscore the cold strategic underpinnings of a bloc that is as much about politics as it is about trade. Here’s looking at EAEU Sep 3, 2020
Kazakhstan’s war on coronavirus fake news underwhelms Confusion and contradiction are at the heart of the government’s counter-disinformation strategy. Almaz Kumenov Aug 28, 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
Kazakhstan squeezes China critics as Xinjiang anxieties spread Kazakh activists are outraged at how their government kowtows to Beijing. Chris Rickleton Aug 10, 2020
Kazakhstan to merge pneumonia and coronavirus cases, but only from Aug. 1 234,000 pneumonia cases from earlier this year will not be included in the tally. Almaz Kumenov Jul 23, 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
Kazakhstan: Nur-Sultan revelry sparks ire as coronavirus crisis escalates City authorities said they hoped the feast would cheer up frontline medical workers. Almaz Kumenov Jul 7, 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