Tajikistan: Even Russia feels pain as pandemic wreaks havoc on migration lifeline Food prices have jumped this year and there are few jobs, but out-of-work migrants can’t get to where they are desperately needed. Dec 17, 2020
Uzbekistan poised to start trials on Chinese COVID-19 vaccine 5,000 people are taking part in the trials. Dec 10, 2020
Kazakhstan to start Sputnik V vaccinations early next year Trials for a domestically developed QazCovid-in vaccine are not expected to be completed until March. Almaz Kumenov Dec 4, 2020
Tajikistan: Emomali’s Russia visit signals his emerging role Any breakthrough in improving the lot of labor migrants will be touted as sign of his political heft. Nov 26, 2020
Turkmenistan: The dammed united Travel bans, dams and Russian fans. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Nov 24, 2020
Coronavirus adds to reasons to escape Tajikistan The terminal state of the economy remains paramount in the minds of those wishing to leave. Nov 13, 2020
Perspectives | How U.S. hawks’ fixation on Iran endangers Middle East Christians A facile and naïve plan being discussed in Washington risks backfiring on Iran’s minority Christians. Eldar Mamedov Oct 31, 2020
Uzbekistan to take part in COVID-19 vaccine trials Officials say Uzbekistan plans to produce its own vaccine when tests are done. Sep 30, 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
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
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
Tajikistan: Coronavirus taking heavy toll on remittances Transfers have fallen by at least 15 percent so far this year. Jul 22, 2020
Central Asian migrants worst hit by coronavirus job losses in Russia Seventy-five percent of Central Asian migrant laborers were not working at the height of the pandemic, new research has found. Jul 8, 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