Here’s looking at EAEU: The contraband conundrum The trade bloc's failure to stop contraband smuggling is connected to the high drama playing out in Kyrgyzstan. Here’s looking at EAEU Nov 5, 2020
Turkmenistan: The mirage of bounty In state media, Turkmenistan is a roaring success story. The data paint a more worrisome picture. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Nov 3, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Protests flourish as crises mount on all sides Acting President Japarov came to power on the crest of rallies, but will he know how to deal with them as leader? Nov 2, 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
Turkmenistan: Feeling insecure This week in our Turkmenistan bulletin: Ashgabat and Moscow suddenly ratify an aged security agreement. Plus budgets, boasts and bribes. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Oct 27, 2020
Perspectives | Why Kazakhstan’s leaders fear regional unrest Rigged elections have created political crises in two other post-Soviet countries this year, leaving Nur-Sultan edgy ahead of a parliamentary vote. Aruzhan Meirkhanova Oct 27, 2020
Ukraine: Zaporizhia bridge emerges as measure of Zelensky’s progress The president bets on a big infrastructure program to reinvigorate his political fortunes. Fabrice Deprez Oct 27, 2020
UFC Khabib’s last outing too hot for Tajikistan? The authorities are spooked by the idea that a crowd could form. Chris Rickleton Oct 26, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Living in the shadow of a sleeping Chinese oil refinery The country's largest oil refinery is no stranger to scandals. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Oct 22, 2020
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
Turkmenistan: Going donuts The dictatorial regime is mostly deaf to people’s complaints, but it sometimes caves. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Oct 20, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: In an uprising low on heroes, defense volunteers shine The appearance of the self-defense units is the second time this year that civil society has been forced to hold the line. Where the state repeatedly fails to live up to its obligations, volunteers step in. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Oct 14, 2020
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
Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict poses threat to regional energy corridor While it would be wrong to start pointing fingers and formulating conspiracy theories, clearly the risks are many and real. David O'Byrne Oct 9, 2020