Blog
Crossroads Asia
Just a Little Tax Spat? Russia Asks Kyrgyzstan to Stop Pressure on Companies
By Catherine Putz
The Russian prime minister recently complained about "unfounded claims and illegal statements by high-level representatives of Kyrgyz government bodies against honest, bona fide Russian companies..."
Torture Trial in Kazakhstan Ends in Prison Sentences, But Dissatisfaction Lingers
By Catherine Putz
Six police officers were sentenced to three years in prison in relation to the torture of 44 foreign nationals in the dark days of Qandy Qantar 2022.
Kambarata-1 Brings Kyrgyz, Kazakh, and Uzbek Energy Officials Together in Tashkent
By Catherine Putz
The hydropower project in Kyrgyzstan has tapped into the region’s thirst for cooperation.
Trump 2.0 and Central Asia: Optimism After Rubio’s Comments
By Wilder Alejandro Sánchez
During his nomination hearing last week, now-Secretary of State Marco Rubio endorsed the annulment of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, although its removal is ultimately a Congressional task.
Trump’s Russia Gambit Puts Central Asia on Notice
By Catherine Putz
Given Trump’s past approaches, it’s entirely possible that the new U.S. president will demand that Central Asia’s governments “do more” with respect to Russia.
Receding Waters, Rising Challenges: Navigating the Caspian Sea’s Geopolitical Moment
By Douwe van der Meer and Julian Postulart
Due to global turmoil, the importance of the Middle Corridor has grown exponentially. However, the Caspian Sea continues to pose a significant obstacle to the realization of the corridor’s economic potential.
The Shrinking Caspian Sea: An Environmental and Geopolitical Emergency
By Vadim Ni
Allowing the Caspian Sea to succumb to industrial exploitation and climate-induced desiccation would be an irreversible tragedy.
Kyrgyzstan’s Social Democrats Under Pressure
By Catherine Putz
Ten years ago, the country's Social Democrats were riding high.
Alleged Coup Trial in Tajikistan: Prosecutors Seek Lengthy Sentences
By Catherine Putz
Prosecutors are asking for 20-30 year sentences for eight defendants presumably accused of a coup plot about which there are very few details available.
2025: Decision Time for the Kazakh Economy
By Benjamin Godwin
To meet its own investment targets and decarbonize its economy, the Tokayev administration needs to fully commit to its economic program in 2025.
Tajikistan and the Russian Scheme to Pay Taliban to Target Americans in Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
The GRU spent tens of millions of dollars funding terrorist groups in Afghanistan to target U.S. and NATO forces, and routed funds and weapons through Tajikistan to accomplish its aims.
Kyrgyz, Tajik, Uzbek Prime Ministers Meet at Trilateral Junction
By Catherine Putz
The meeting heralded the significant progress made in the last year on the three countries’ once-tense borders.
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