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
Perspectives | Why Moscow is embracing decentralized tech The government’s lack of capacity helps explain the about-face. Miranda Lupion Jul 2, 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
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
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
Kyrgyzstan: Draft bill threatens to drive NGOs against the wall The bill appears intended to force independent activism out of existence Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 22, 2020
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
Eurovision shines a light into Caucasus identity politics This year, Azerbaijan embraces both the Orient and bisexuality, while Georgia complains about the West. Joshua Kucera 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
Kyrgyzstan law enforcement abusing coronavirus restrictions, activists say Some of the restrictions are creating public health hazards. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Apr 24, 2020