Blog
Crossroads Asia
Tajikistan and the Taliban: A Lone Voice in Central Asia
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Tajikistan is the strongest critic of the Taliban in Central Asia and continues to host dialogues featuring a diversity of Afghan voices.
Karakalpak Activist Deprived of Kazakh Citizenship
By Catherine Putz
Uzbek authorities have told Kazakh authorities that Urazbayev never officially renounced his Uzbek citizenship and therefore Kazakh authorities have revoked his Kazakh citizenship.
A Tale of 2 Uzbek Bloggers: Arifhojaev Freed, Khaidarov Jailed
By Catherine Putz
Uzbek bloggers Fazilhoja Arifhojaev and Olimjon Khaidarov occupy vastly different ends of the blogger spectrum, but they illustrate the limits of free speech in Uzbekistan.
The Rise of Mongolia: Minerals, Trade and ‘the Third Way’
By Nathaniel Schochet and Earl Carr
Mongolia is intent on making sure it has diplomatic and economic options beyond its two neighbors.
Amid Protests, Kyrgyzstan Delays New Tax Regulations
By Catherine Putz
But President Sadyr Japarov has also made clear that change -- and cash registers -- are coming to the country's bazaars one way or another.
A Letter to Dushanbe: US Senator Urges Tajikistan to End Repression
By Catherine Putz
Tajikistan is among the world’s worst perpetrators of transnational repression.
CSTO Issues Belated Declaration After Minsk Summit
By Catherine Putz
The foreign ministers of the CSTO, of which Russia is a member, without apparent irony put out a statement that says “no state should ensure its security at the expense of the security of other states.”
Debate Over Kyrgyzstan’s New Flag Overshadows Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Negotiations
By Nigel Li
After a December 1 meeting in Tajikistan, security officials on both sides are proclaiming success and promising progress.
Wind in the Sails of Renewables in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
Astana signs yet another wind farm deal, this time with COP28 host UAE’s Masdar for the development of a 1 gigawatt wind power project.
Bill on Flag Redesign Survives First Reading in Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament
By Colleen Wood
Government officials say the current iteration, which was designed just after independence, looks like a sunflower.
Uzbekistan Takes a Stance Against Promoting or Endorsing Polygamy
By Niginakhon Saida
While polygamy is illegal in Uzbekistan, having a second (or third) wife is still trendy.
Canada-Mongolia New Comprehensive Partnership Means Business
By Bolor Lkhaajav
As the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties, Mongolia in particular is hoping to jumpstart trade and investment.