Kyrgyzstan: Ballet troupe walkout shines light on culture underspending Protesting artists chose the visit of their better-paid Russian colleagues to make their point. Chris Rickleton Mar 9, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Authorities worry over fuel, food cost rises The government has limited fuel exports, citing the need to stabilize prices. Chris Rickleton Mar 5, 2021
Kazakhstan: Authorities use pandemic to quash protests Restrictions on movement do not appear intended to stem the spread of COVID-19. Almaz Kumenov Mar 1, 2021
Kazakhstan: With elections chore out of the way, it is time for politics No real opposition parties were permitted to run. Almaz Kumenov Jan 11, 2021
Kazakhstan sleepwalks toward choice-free parliamentary election But there is no papering over the festering disillusionment. Almaz Kumenov Dec 2, 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
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
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
Kazakhstan: Parliamentary elections scheduled for January 10 The president says the vote will marking a turning point. Skeptics yawn. Almaz Kumenov Oct 21, 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
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
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