Stories about Kazakhstan from August, 2012
Russia's War Games Make Georgia Nervous
This September, Russia is planning to hold 'Caucasus-2012' with forces from the breakaway Georgian provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. With 8,000 troops, as well as heavy machinery, artillery, navy, and air force, this will be Russia’s largest exercise this year. Is this too close for comfort for Georgians?
Kazakhstan: The Beauty of Altai Mountains
A group of Kazakhstani photographers have recently toured the mountainous region of Altai in in the country's east, known for its picturesque alpine scenery. Photos made during the trip can be accessed...
Kazakhstan: Trial of Opposition Leaders Draws Pussy Riot Comparisons
“A Pussy Riot of our own” is how Kazakhstani netizens are referring to the judicial drama involving three opposition leaders accused of active participation in the Zhanaozen oil-strike that turned violent in December 2011. The trials of Vladimir Kozlov, Aizhanat Aminov and Serik Sapargaly started on August 16, and are expected to end within the next two weeks. Kazakh netizens do not believe that the three defendants will get a fair trial.
Central Asia's Mixed Success at London Olympics
The 2012 Summer Olympics offered mixed successes for Central Asian states. While the Games proved nothing short of triumph for team Kazakhstan, the success of athletes from Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan was more moderate. And for Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, the Olympics were largely a disappointment.
Kazakhstan: Olympic Veterans and New Champions
Team Kazakhstan's 13 medals, including seven golds, taken at the London Olympics were nothing short of triumph. Vox Populi posts [ru] photos of Kazakhstani athletes who triumphed in London and adds [ru]...
Kazakhstan: ‘Imported’ Olympic Champions Cause Controversy
Two of the six gold medals bagged by Kazakhstan at the London Olympics were claimed by Chinese-born female weightlifters. The success of the "imported" athletes has caused a lot of controversy, with Chinese officials accusing Kazakhstan of misinforming the public about the athletes' country of origin.
Kazakhstan: Images from “Post-Apocalyptic” Village
Despite Kazakhstan's oil-fueled economic growth, some parts of the country are doing a lot worse than others. Blogger Iskander Salikhojaev has recently traveled to Akchatau, a small poverty-stricken village in central Kazakhstan...
Chinese-born Weightlifters Win Gold for Kazakhstan
Two female weightlifters have won gold medals for Kazakhstan at the London Olympics. On Registan.net, Matthew Kupfer writes that the two athletes “are actually from China and … this isn't...
