Kazakhstan: Mandatory vaccination plans dropped Prosecuting doctors for malpractice, meanwhile, will become more complicated. Almaz Kumenov Jun 18, 2020
Tajikistan: COVID-19 outbreak offers cover for fresh assault on free press It’s open season on journalists in Tajikistan and officials aren’t shy about blaming the victims. Jun 12, 2020
Kazakhstan changes methodology, lowers COVID count The government has altered how it tallies infections and deaths to favor rosier statistics. Zholdas Orisbayev Jun 12, 2020
Post-Soviet immigration strengthens Kazakhstan’s Jewish community A tight connection to Brooklyn is helping spur a revival. Khaya Himmelman Jun 1, 2020
Tajikistan: Coronavirus panic puts sufferers of other illnesses in grave danger With supply chains disrupted, patients with chronic needs are unable to find key medicines. May 29, 2020
Kazakhstan: Controversial law portends struggle over coronavirus vaccine Without credible media, a lack of trust in government seems to be fueling anti-vaccination campaigns, pandemic be damned. Zholdas Orisbayev May 20, 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
Tajikistan: Has the president’s son already taken over? President Rahmon has kept a low profile, leaving his son to take the lead. May 5, 2020
Tajikistan finally confirms its first 15 coronavirus cases Questions will be asked why this announcement came so late. Apr 30, 2020
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan implement tentative coronavirus exit strategies Businesses are being allowed to reopen and people to take in some fresh air. Apr 30, 2020
WHO role in Tajikistan’s coronavirus-free narrative under scrutiny The World Health Organization is refusing to answer questions while it appears to support the government’s increasingly dubious claims. Apr 24, 2020
Kazakhstan: Medics struggling to keep themselves safe 182 health workers have been infected at one hospital alone. Almaz Kumenov Apr 15, 2020
Tajikistan's nonchalance on coronavirus shows cracks Critics are exasperated by the government’s passivity, warning that the reforms needed for Tajikistan to weather this moment should have been adopted “the day before yesterday.” Apr 6, 2020
Kazakhstan resorts to snap military draft as coronavirus spreads Supporters of the move think it will provide a useful outlet for the momentarily unemployed. Almaz Kumenov Apr 3, 2020
Tajikistan provides solace to soccer junkies The Central Asian dictatorship insists it has no cases of coronavirus. So the beautiful game must go on. Paul Bartlett Apr 2, 2020