Kyrgyzstan: The rise and fall of a sex webcam magnate Daniel Azhiyev came to prominence during the COVID-19 crisis, when his philanthropy made him something of a minor folk hero. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Oct 27, 2023
Tajikistan pleads poverty, spends money on unneeded luxuries A panhandling president is unaccountable to his Western benefactors. Apr 26, 2023
Kyrgyzstan: Authorities bristle at Black Death research Officials suspect a newly published paper on the 14th century plague is a plot to kill the country's tourism industry. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jun 17, 2022
Kyrgyzstan: Controversy-mongering health minister ends up behind bars Beishenaliyev says he has been set up by vindictive prosecutors. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jun 6, 2022
Kyrgyzstan’s donkeys-to-China trade courts controversy, corruption Religious mores, politics and the coronavirus have cast a shadow over one of the few Kyrgyz products China buys. Aigerim Turgunbaeva, Chris Rickleton May 30, 2022
“I avenged my father”: A saga of crime and bloodshed in the highlands of Kyrgyzstan The criminal underworld reaches across generations. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 16, 2022
The rough-tongued poison-prescriber overhauling Kyrgyzstan’s healthcare system Beishenaliyev enjoys a close relationship with the president. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Apr 11, 2022
Kyrgyzstan: Pakistani students demand protection from assaults Victims of crime say they are not properly treated by police. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Dec 23, 2021
Tajikistan: Teachers leaving for Russia and not looking back Salaries were always horribly low but living costs have soared since the pandemic began. Nov 10, 2021
Afghan refugees hope Tajikistan is just a pit stop Middle-class Afghans with the means to navigate Tajikistan’s bureaucracy see the country as a springboard to the West. Kamila Ibragimova Oct 15, 2021
Iranians report arbitrary ban at Georgian border In recent years the Caucasus country has become a magnet for Iranian students, business owners, and dissidents. But now many report they’re not being allowed to enter. Giorgi Lomsadze Sep 24, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Afghanistan crisis seen stoking xenophobia for Pakistanis There has been a surge in the number of Pakistanis visiting for tourism. Chris Rickleton Aug 24, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Ruling tandem in trouble? Japarov and Tashiyev came to office together, may they leave it apart. Chris Rickleton Jul 28, 2021
Armenia changes vaccination policy as Iranian vaccine tourists flock Iranians have been flooding into Armenia to get COVID vaccines, causing Tehran to complain and Yerevan to tighten the rules. Karine Ghazaryan Jul 12, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: As third COVID-19 wave hits, protection options vanishingly small Cases are rising rapidly and vaccines – for those who want them – are hard to find. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jun 24, 2021