Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz strongman Japarov gets power to reverse constitutional court rulings on ‘national moral’ grounds
Critics say populist president constructing highly authoritarian state that apes Putin regime.
Beijing reportedly shelves construction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway
Another big blow for ‘CKU’ proponents who have been trying to get the infrastructure project moving for a quarter of a century. Financing said to be a big and unresolved difficulty.
Tajikistan hands control over border airports to armed forces
The airports have lain largely idle since the fall of the Soviet Union.
EBRD projects slowdown in Central Europe, robust growth in Eurasia
High gas prices, China slowdown and shifts in industrial production contribute to slower growth in Central Europe.
PANNIER: Climate change brings neverending energy crisis to Kyrgyzstan
Drought and melted glaciers mean a lack of water for hydro-electricity generation and the last-resort use of more dirty coal to provide power.
PANNIER: How ‘C5+1’ set the stage for a new era in US-Central Asia relations
Focus shifts from security to energy security, renewable energy and transportation infrastructure, while there are no illusions about delivering democracy.
Kyrgyzstan has ‘the balls’ to send Russia parts crucial to making tanks, trade data suggests
Analyst notes Chinese ball bearing exports to Central Asian country are up around 2,550%. Suggests many of the ‘dual-use’ goods are simply passed on to the Russian defence industry.
Masked Turkish intelligence agents accused of abducting businessman in Tajikistan
Koray Vural snatched while on his way to work. Incident follows grabbing of Orhan Inandi in Kyrgyzstan two years ago. Like Inandi, Vural is linked to Gulen movement that denies Ankara’s claims it plotted coup attempt.
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Plight of Kyrgyzstan’s ‘canary in coal mine’ news service Kloop worsens
Internet providers block media outlet’s website as country’s authoritarian populist regime steps up clampdown on free press and civil society.
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Francis Fukuyama says a weakened Russia will present opportunities for Central Asia
While in Almaty for a book launch, US political scientist suggests that if Moscow comes out of Ukraine war diminished, the ‘Stans’ will have room to set their own policies without worrying about the Russian response.
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Latvian exports of sanctioned goods soar to Russia's neighbours
In mechanical and electrical equipment, where Latvian exports to Russia fell by a quarter last year, growth in Kazakhstan, KyrgyzstanArmenia was between five and 12 times.
Kyrgyzstan: Barcelona soccer tie-up raises conflict of interest questions
Investment into costly and potentially lucrative soccer academies has come from figures close to the national leadership.
‘Meh-hem’ as crowd storm pitch at Kyrgyzstan’s ‘goat carcass’ cup final
With president in attendance, angry spectators chase match officials, throwing stones and plastic bottles.
COMMENT: The water and energy nexus in Central Asia
Climate change is real, and it calls for action at the global, regional, and national levels. One of its impacts is additional water stress in addition to what many countries experience already. Effective counteraction requires joint action.
Kyrgyzstan moves to ban TikTok over child welfare concerns
Officials say young minds are susceptible to addiction and dangerous behaviours encouraged by the app.
Perspectives: Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan building up for another potential round of fighting
An unusual constellation of outside players taking shape.
Kyrgyz officials demand shutdown of Kloop Media for critical coverage of government
Move heightens fears that Kyrgyzstan’s days as a relative “island of democracy” in Central Asia are drawing to a close.
bneGREEN: Water shortages alarm sounded in southern Kazakhstan and Istanbul
Amid drought, Kyrgyzstan stops irrigation water transfers to its neighbour. Mayor of Turkey’s largest city urges heatwave-struck residents to save "every precious water drop flowing from the tap".
Orban invites illiberal allies to Budapest on national holiday celebrating Hungary’s Western orientation
Unprecedented showcasing of power by Hungary’s strongman alongside World Athletics Championships.
Exports from the West to Central Asia boom as sanctions on Russia remake global trade routes
Extreme sanctions on Russia have dramatically remade global trade flows Russia turns to its friends to act as transit countries for banned goods. And most have cooperated, both because of pressure placed on them by Moscow and the money they can make.