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
A brewing Islamic scandal in Kyrgyzstan The mufti is accused of misusing funds. He says this is all a plot to remove him. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Feb 15, 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
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
Kyrgyzstan pleads for more Chinese help in building key infrastructure Bishkek is also angling for yet more room to ease its debt burden. Dec 9, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Only 15 percent of infected healthcare workers compensated Medics say they are actively discouraged from seeking the compensation. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Dec 8, 2020
Kazakhstan sleepwalks toward choice-free parliamentary election But there is no papering over the festering disillusionment. Almaz Kumenov Dec 2, 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
Kyrgyzstan's China debt: Between crowdfunding and austerity Beijing does not appear disposed to give too much leeway. Chris Rickleton Nov 17, 2020
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
Kazakhstan: Former health minister arrested The healthcare sector has been embroiled in corruption scandals for years. Almaz Kumenov 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
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