Uzbekistan tightens rules for media as president braces for re-election The timing of the new legislation recalls recent reporting that cast the president in an unfavorable light. Mar 31, 2021
Tajikistan president pulls disappearing act over holiday season What makes Rahmon’s disappearance all very odd is that he is a particular devotee of the Nowruz spring equinox feast. Mar 23, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Jerooy opening marks Russia’s return to big investments Putin has thrown his weight behind the mine. Will he regret it? Chris Rickleton Mar 19, 2021
As a possible new COVID-19 wave looms, Central Asia is napping The region appears wholly unprepared for the latest rise in cases. Mar 17, 2021
Kazakhstan: Vaccination campaign proceeds at snail’s pace Only 0.25 percent of the population aged over 15 have had the first injection. Joanna Lillis Mar 11, 2021
Uzbekistan and the red lines of free speech: A citizen journalist goes on trial As the country opens up, citizen journalism is flourishing. In a place unaccustomed to journalists, and with the ethics of the profession not yet cemented, theirs is a risky business. Peter Leonard Mar 10, 2021
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
Kyrgyzstan: Waiting and loathing on the Chinese border It can take four days to get to the front of the line at this bitterly cold pass almost two miles high. Danil Usmanov Mar 4, 2021
Kazakhstan: Exporters lose money to China anti-coronavirus regime Kazakh officials say the Chinese are breaking their legal commitments. Almaz Kumenov Mar 4, 2021
Analysis | Central Asia bond review Despite the COVID crunch, Uzbekistan’s borrowing has blossomed. Tajikistan appears headed for trouble. Maximilian Hess Mar 3, 2021
Uzbekistan embarks on mass vaccination, but where will doses come from? Hopes are being pinned on the Sino-Uzbek vaccine ZF-UZ-VAC 2001. Mar 3, 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
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