Uzbekistan: After a positive start, coronavirus driving health system to precipice “They don’t have enough drugs. Don’t believe the statistics.” Jul 24, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Volunteers play heroic role in battle against COVID-19 On top of the exhausting work, stresses are compounded by having to reject heartbreaking requests. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva, Photos by Danil Usmanov Jul 17, 2020
Pneumonia fudge hiding scale of Central Asia's coronavirus emergency Doctors in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are growing angry at what they see as little more than a face-saving, statistical trick. Almaz Kumenov, Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jul 16, 2020
Uzbekistan: Second lockdown imposed, bringing specter of more economic pain The economy is set to contract sharply this year as a result of the crisis. Jul 8, 2020
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
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
Kazakhstan grapples uneasily with its second coronavirus wave The country is experiencing a turnaround after apparent early successes. Almaz Kumenov Jun 18, 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
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
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
Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks cautiously, anxiously, eye return to familiar patterns Newly restored freedoms in the three countries have not come without problems and worries. Almaz Kumenov, Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 18, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Rapper voices nation’s angst in the time of coronavirus Sayasat is based on stories pulled straight from the headlines. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 13, 2020