Eurasianet

11/07/2025

The picture continues to darken for press freedom in Central Asia as a court in Kyrgyzstan this month closed down a critical broadcaster for “sarcasm and mimicry” and sentenced a blogger to probation for snarky Facebook posts. Meanwhile, in Kazakhstan high-profile journalists have reported disappearing social media pages, cyberattacks and harassment.

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10/07/2025

The head of Rossotrudnichestvo, Russia’s international assistance agency, has an ambitious plan for the Kremlin soft-power entity to fill development gaps created by the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development. For that to happen, however, Rossotrudnichestvo will have to surmount major financing and image-related hurdles.

Imperial attitudes undermine ambitions for expanded influence.

09/07/2025

Efforts by Central Asian states to engage with Afghanistan are getting a boost from the United Nations. A recently adopted UN resolution cites “the crucial importance of advancing constructive and sustainable regional cooperation” in promoting Afghanistan’s stabilization.

Recognizing Afghanistan as a key connector between Central and South Asia.

09/07/2025

Amid escalating tension with Armenia stemming from Yerevan’s desire to pivot westward, and lacking the ability to offer economic incentives, Russia is resorting to a traditional tactic to get its way: throw troops at the problem.

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08/07/2025

Russia is trying to pull the emergency break on what is threatening to become a runaway train of deteriorating relations with Azerbaijan. Alexander Kurenkov, Russia’s minister for emergency situations and a trusted lieutenant of Kremlin kingpin Vladimir Putin, arrived in Baku on July 8, ostensibly to participate in a gathering of civil defense officials. But the chief objective of his trip, many observers in Baku and Moscow believe, is to try to mend fences with Azerbaijan.

Still seething, Baku does not seem inclined to let the Kremlin off the hook easily.

07/07/2025

Relations between the five Central Asian countries and Afghanistan are warming as plans move ahead for new rail links, increased trade and creating opportunities for ordinary Afghans.

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07/07/2025

Tidbits that will help keep you in the know.

03/07/2025

The Georgian government has justified its sharp turn away from European Union integration as necessary to protect national traditions and cultural identity from being overrun by alien Western values.

There are limits to Georgian Dream’s support for cultural traditions.

02/07/2025

Having decapitated political opposition in the country, the ruling Georgian Dream party is now moving to mop up what remains of independent civil society organizations. The focus for Georgian Dream appears to be shielding itself from scrutiny from NGO and media watchdogs. On June 26, Georgia’s rubber-stamp parliament passed a law restricting photography, as well as video and audio recording inside court premises.

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02/07/2025

Azerbaijan is giving as good as it gets in its latest flare-up of rancor with Russia. In a clearly orchestrated show of retaliation, authorities in Baku on July 1 detained more than 10 Russian nationals, including employees at the local office of the Russian media outlet Sputnik, as well as suspected members of criminal gangs.

Detainees subjected to humiliating treatment.

01/07/2025

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has approved a law banning the wearing of facial coverings in public places. Officials say the measure is primarily intended to combat crime, but it will also impact devout Muslims.

No religious exceptions made in anti-crime law.

01/07/2025

Rumors that the Uzbek government is handing over farmland to Chinese investors keep bubbling up despite repeated and categorical denials from officials, putting Tashkent in an uncomfortable spot.

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