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
Tajikistan’s excess mortality data belie COVID-19 denialism Authorities have not made any attempt to explain the abnormally high number of deaths last year. Feb 23, 2021
Kazakhstan’s vaccination campaign faces skepticism roadblock Kazakhstan is struggling to drum up vaccine interest. Its leaders could help by getting the jab. Almaz Kumenov Feb 19, 2021
Russia using crisis in Tajikistan to advance EAEU agenda? Dushanbe is desperate to resume flights to Russian cities. Feb 12, 2021
Tajikistan: Would-be future president’s interview underwhelms Mayor Emomali says city hall spent $1.14 million on bus stops. Feb 11, 2021
The killing of Kazakhstan’s bookies Gambling addiction has been a problem for many years in Kazakhstan, but authorities have been largely deaf to the laments of suffering relatives, until recently. Almaz Kumenov Feb 10, 2021
Central Asia vaccination plans underwhelm, but governments look unruffled Uzbekistan, Tajikistan are taking triumphalist stances on coronavirus. Jan 14, 2021
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
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
Kazakhstan to borrow $1.8Bln for COVID fight The government is eager to stress that the loan is all but interest free. Almaz Kumenov Nov 24, 2020
Kazakhstan’s independent media losing advertising battle with bloggers, influencers The government will help outlets that publish its propaganda. Almaz Kumenov Nov 20, 2020
Kazakhstan: Nearly half of ventilators bought for COVID-19 defective Numbers of coronavirus cases has seen a sharp surge recently. Almaz Kumenov Nov 19, 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