Kyrgyzstan: Japarov's nomination as PM pauses crisis Severe economic and epidemiological challenges now lie ahead. Oct 14, 2020
Turkmenistan: Reprimands galore The president’s fury has only served to expose once more the implausibility of official data. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Oct 13, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Economy and healthcare shattering under weight of crisis Any political turmoil was bound to worsen Kyrgyzstan's eviscerated economy, but what has happened over the past week has been especially destructive. Peter Leonard, Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Oct 8, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Competitive elections turn into rout for status quo The election did not feel very competitive in the president's hometown. Peter Leonard, Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Oct 4, 2020
COVID and the new debt dynamics of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Before the pandemic, Central Asia’s poorest countries had been managing their Chinese debts quite well. Now they are asking for help. Dirk van der Kley Oct 2, 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
Kyrgyzstan: Authorities mulling return to lockdowns Batken has already reimposed restrictions. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Sep 29, 2020
Turkmenistan: A United Nations of weaponry After rewarding himself with a more pliant constitution, the president held a massive military parade. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Sep 29, 2020
Uzbekistan: Authorities turn to citizens to help bust traffic rule breakers People will be able to report motorists using mobile phone footage. Sep 27, 2020
Uzbekistan pins economic fightback on gold sales The country became the world's biggest seller of gold in July. Sep 22, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Teachers reportedly pressured for vote Such scandals are likely to raise few eyebrows, however. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Sep 18, 2020
Uzbekistan’s new religion law promises limited change Critics complain the draft bill preserves many restrictions. Sep 16, 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
Kyrgyzstan: COVID-19 body blow leaves Issyk-Kul tourism operators reeling The tourist season was a disaster, with visitors down almost 90 percent. The taxman has not been sympathetic. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva, Photos by Danil Usmanov Sep 11, 2020
Uzbekistan: Pay increased for cotton-pickers Better salaries may inject some needed dynamism into ailing rural areas. Sep 11, 2020