Kyrgyzstan’s coronavirus outbreak reaching critical stage It is clear from a welter of circumstantial evidence that official death figures are massive undercounts. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jul 3, 2020
Perspectives | Why Moscow is embracing decentralized tech The government’s lack of capacity helps explain the about-face. Miranda Lupion Jul 2, 2020
Abkhazia leader meets Putin hoping for Russian bailout As coronavirus cripples the territory’s tourism season and Russia has stopped sending aid, Abkhazia faces a 10 percent GDP decline this year. Joshua Kucera Jun 25, 2020
Moscow’s delayed Victory Day in photos Most foreign leaders stayed away, but Putin’s Central Asian crew is a dependable lot. Jun 24, 2020
Pashinyan, Aliyev bow out of Moscow parade The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan cited the coronavirus for missing the big event, but the real reasons appear to be crises at home. Joshua Kucera Jun 24, 2020
Kazakhstan grapples uneasily with its second coronavirus wave The country is experiencing a turnaround after apparent early successes. Almaz Kumenov Jun 18, 2020
Hundreds of Azerbaijanis languish on Russian border The labor migrants are trying to return home after losing their jobs in the coronavirus pandemic. Tensions are rising, and a protest on the border has been violently broken up by Russian police. Jun 16, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: COVID-19 brings pain, but no gain, to fitness industry New precautions make exercising an unappealing undertaking – for those who can still afford it. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jun 15, 2020
The mystery of Tajikistan’s “win” on COVID-19 Officials are poised to reopen the country only weeks after the crisis began. Jun 9, 2020
Uzbekistan: Heartbreak and despair for expat laborers trapped by COVID Tens of thousands of Uzbek workers are trying to get home. In Uzbekistan itself, however, not everybody is eager to see them. Jun 5, 2020
Chinese business briefing: Working overtime Many Chinese workers have been stuck in Central Asia during the coronavirus lockdown, forced to work overtime to meet production quotas. Niva Yau Jun 4, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: President pleads for sovereign debt restructuring Debt has risen to $4.6 billion this year. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 29, 2020
Tajikistan: Coronavirus panic puts sufferers of other illnesses in grave danger With supply chains disrupted, patients with chronic needs are unable to find key medicines. May 29, 2020
Tajikistan: Arrests spark fresh unrest in Pamirs Government troops are rumored to have been dispatched to quell the trouble. May 27, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Draft bill threatens to drive NGOs against the wall The bill appears intended to force independent activism out of existence Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 22, 2020