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Crossroads Asia

Wanted, Again: Matraimov Once More Sought by Authorities in Kyrgyzstan

Wanted, Again: Matraimov Once More Sought by Authorities in Kyrgyzstan

By Catherine Putz
Bishkek is on the one hand pursuing an anti-corruption campaign, but at the same time cracking down on the very media that expose such corruption.

Kazakhstan’s Government Under Fire for Sloppy Earthquake Response

Kazakhstan’s Government Under Fire for Sloppy Earthquake Response

By Paolo Sorbello
The emergency response system did not work properly, top officials said.
Zypl.ai: Spearheading AI-Driven Financial Innovation and Regional Integration in Central Asia

Zypl.ai: Spearheading AI-Driven Financial Innovation and Regional Integration in Central Asia

By Khiradmand Sheraliev
The potential for AI to bring about closer regional integration lies in its ability to address some of the traditional barriers to economic cooperation.

‘Very Strong’ 7.1 Magnitude Quake in Western China Kills 3

‘Very Strong’ 7.1 Magnitude Quake in Western China Kills 3

By Ken Moritsugu and Han Ng Guan
Tremors also were felt in neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. 

Kazakhstan’s Evolving Afghanistan Policy

Kazakhstan’s Evolving Afghanistan Policy

By Aziza Mukhammedova
Afghanistan’s market and its position as a trade route that can connect Central Asia to South Asian ports are critically important to Kazakhstan.

24.kg, Temirov Live Targeted With Media Raids in Kyrgyzstan

24.kg, Temirov Live Targeted With Media Raids in Kyrgyzstan

By Catherine Putz
The recent detention of journalists and raids on homes and offices mark a further expansion of the Kyrgyz government’s efforts to rein in the country’s media through overt pressure.

Kyrgyzstan: A Coup to Quash or Kusturizatsia Indigestion?

Kyrgyzstan: A Coup to Quash or Kusturizatsia Indigestion?

By Catherine Putz
It seems this instance of an individual "vomiting up" what he allegedly owed the state has led to some indigestion, and another alleged coup forestalled by the Kyrgyz state. 
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Again Designated as Religious Freedom Violators, Granted Waivers

Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Again Designated as Religious Freedom Violators, Granted Waivers

By Catherine Putz
Yet again, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan – alongside Saudi Arabia and Pakistan – have been granted waivers from sanctions related to their religious freedom violations.

Challenges in Mongolia’s Upcoming Election 

Challenges in Mongolia’s Upcoming Election 

By Bolor Lkhaajav and Enkhbaigali Byambasuren
June 2024 will see the first elections since constitutional changes reconfigured Mongolia’s legislature and electoral system.

Nietbay Urazbayev, Karakalpak Diaspora Leader, Dies in Kazakhstan

Nietbay Urazbayev, Karakalpak Diaspora Leader, Dies in Kazakhstan

By Catherine Putz
“One of the best of our people has left -- and this further complicates relations between the Karakalpaks and the Uzbek authorities,” a fellow Karakalpak activist told The Diplomat.

Following China’s Export of Sanctioned Goods Through Central Asia to Russia

Following China’s Export of Sanctioned Goods Through Central Asia to Russia

By Dilfuza Mirzakhmedova, Shakhriyor Ismailkhodjaev, and Kamila Fayzieva
Goods exported to Russia from China via Central Asia need not be weapons in order to contribute to Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. 
Russian Neo-Imperialist Assertions Spark Pushback in Uzbekistan

Russian Neo-Imperialist Assertions Spark Pushback in Uzbekistan

By Mukhammadsodik Donaev
Reactions in Uzbekistan following Zakhar Prilepin’s comments are indicative of a larger, ongoing conversation about nationhood, independence, and national identity in Central Asia.

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