Category: Politics
Central Asian presidents invited to attend Russian Victory Day Parade
Russian president Vladimir Putin has invited his counterparts from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to attend the annual Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9. The occasion… [...]
Kyrgyz-Tajik border: both sides hope for quick reopening
The Kyrgyz and Tajik populations, plagued by a conflict that has yet to be resolved, must learn to work together. Tensions on the borders have increased in recent years. This… [...]
Recruitment in the Tajik army: a headache for the authorities and hell for the recruits
Every year, the recruitment of Tajik soldiers, young people of age to perform their compulsory two-year military service, is a real problem for the authorities. In addition to the obsolete… [...]
Closure of Radio Azattyk sparks discontent from civil society and international human rights activists
A court in Bishkek has ruled to shut down Radio Azattyk in Kyrgyzstan, the local affiliate of RFE/RL. The ruling sparked a wave of criticism from international human… [...]
Orientalism revisited – a very Dutch introduction to Central Asia
Over the past six weeks, hundreds of thousands of viewers have tuned in to Dutch public broadcaster VPRO to watch the new docuseries “Along the new Silk Road”. For… [...]
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Turkey continues exporting drones to Central Asia
In recent years, Turkish drones such as the Bayraktar TB2 have become household names, owing to their successful deployment in multiple conflicts around the globe, including Ukraine. The drones have… [...]
Beyond fun and games – the politics of Nowruz
In Central Asia, the beginning of spring is traditionally marked by Nowruz, also known as ‘Persian New Year.’ Typical holiday celebrations include horse games, family visits, and large feasts. But… [...]
Women’s Day in Kazakhstan: hundreds gather for rally in Almaty
On International Women’s Day in Almaty, feminist organisations rallied “for bodily autonomy and against sexual violence”. According to estimates, 700 to 1000 participants joined the rally to express their demands. [...]
In Tajikistan repression continues
For nearly a year and a half, the Pamiri minority in Tajikistan, who live mainly in the Gorno-Badakhshan region in the east of the country, have been suffering harsh repressive… [...]
Karakalpakstan: long prison sentences for participants in last year’s protests
Some 20 people have been sentenced to prison for their participation in the protests that took place in Karakalpakstan last summer. The trial has been controversial, as the investigation into… [...]
European reaction to repression in Tajikistan has no effect
In recent months, Tajik activists and members of the opposition have appealed to the international community to take action to protect human rights in the country. They feel that Europe… [...]