Category: Politics
Russia continues importing military equipment despite Western sanctions
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S., the EU, and other countries have imposed massive sanctions against Russia. They range from financial and economic (such… [...]
Tajikistan: one year since the tragic events in the Pamirs
In May 2022, anti-government protests erupted in the Autonomous Province of Gorno-Badakhshan. A few days later, the Tajik authorities announced an “anti-terror operation” which, according to a UN report,… [...]
In Central Asia, the Freedom of Press is in Decline
Almost every year, countries in Central Asia are placed at the bottom of NGO Reporters Without Borders’, annual ranking for the freedom of press. Every country has dropped in… [...]
“Islands of Soviet power on the steppes”
Out on the Kazakh steppe, in the early days of Soviet rule, so-called red yurts tried to bring the USSR and its communist ideals to those that were most… [...]
Ukraine criticizes Central Asian presidents’ participation in Moscow’s May 9 parade
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has issued a strong statement condemning the presence of Central Asian presidents at the May 9 parade held… [...]
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Kazakhstan: commemorating Victory Day without military parade
Similar to last year, May 9 in Kazakhstan is overshadowed by Russia’s war in Ukraine. Military parades have been cancelled, once again. Instead, this year’s Victory Day will mainly… [...]
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. [...]
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. [...]
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… [...]
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… [...]
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”. [...]
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… [...]