Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus
The Lachin Corridor standoff between Armenia and Azerbaijan ends, for now
On April 28, the Azerbaijani "eco-activists" blocking the Lachin Corridor near Shusha (Shushi) have suspended their action following the installation of an Azerbaijani border checkpoint on the corridor on April 23.
Social media censorship and information manipulation after Sadyr Zhaparov's rise in Kyrgyzstan
The Kyrgyz authorities are also using the narrative of “foreign interests” to adopt a law on ‘foreign agents’ largely inspired by the Russian model.
Uzbekistan adopts groundbreaking law to protect women and children from domestic and sexual violence
Domestic violence was neither a criminal nor an administrative offense. Women simply could not report domestic violence.
Human trafficking, forced labor and exploitation of migrants in Russia
Russian authorities trafficked people for illegal actions that they were forced to commit while being trafficked, such as prostitution, illegal presence in the country or drug trafficking. Many are deported.
Why are oil workers protesting in Kazakhstan?
The workers are depicted as privileged, earning exponentially more than average citizens. The reasons for their dissatisfaction, however, are structural.
At home, in a presidential palace, and a mosque: Where Central Asian presidents hosted iftar in 2023
Where they are held, who attends them, and what words are spoken at these events can help better understand Central Asia and its people.
Burnt flags, border clashes, and prisoners: Tensions continue to escalate in Armenia and Azerbaijan
Tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan soared when a man stormed the stage at the opening ceremony of the European Weightlifting Championship in Yerevan and set fire to the Azerbaijani flag.
Azerbaijan-Iran tensions escalate
The tensions have been simmering since January 2023, after a gunman stormed the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran, killing the security chief and wounding two guards in the embassy.
New study finds internet censorship in Turkmenistan reaches over 122,000 domains
"One of the worst blocking rules in Turkmenistan is that the government blocks every website that ends with w.org, which is Wordpress, used by activists and bloggers."
In Azerbaijan, residents pay a heavy price to have access to water
Since March 13, residents of at least three villages in Saatli, have taken their demands for stable water access onto the streets.
The ‘New Uzbekistan’ budget battle: Democracy in action or a flawed system?
'People are amazed that they can get some small roads paved with asphalt by voting... What if they realise they could even change the governments by voting? Hard to imagine…'
Mongolians celebrate and fear for an 8-year old boy as Dalai Lama names him their next spiritual leader
Mongolia has got not only a spiritual leader but a powerful trump card with which it can influence relations between Tibet and China.
Hopes for democracy in Kazakhstan fade further as numerous violations mar parliamentary elections
The ‘New Kazakhstan’ vision that aspires to bring fair and competitive elections is yet to be implemented.
Police in Kyrgyzstan pressures exiled anti-war Russians to keep quiet
The war in Ukraine presented Bishkek a challenging task of navigating Russia’s demands for explicit support of its invasion and the risks of falling under Western sanctions.
Prospects for peace loom as much as prospects for another war in Nagorno-Karabakh
The Russian Ministry of Defense said the move was a breach and violation of the agreement signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan on November 9, 2020.
Is exile the only solution for queer Mongolians?
Mongolia, has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Yet for them, living an openly queer life can be so challenging that many consider exile as the only viable solution.
Like father, like son: Turkmenistan’s new president carries on his predecessor’s repressive policies
The latest developments have further undermined the belief that Serdar Berdymukhamedov will seek to break away from the legacy of his father and pursue a more humane state policy.
Central Asians fighting in Ukraine are both defending and attacking it
The authorities in Central Asia have issued stern warnings to their citizens not to fight in Ukraine, threatening lengthy prison sentences for participating in armed conflicts abroad as mercenaries.
Weathering Russian xenophobia in everyday life
In recent months, there has been more talk about "Russophobia" — anti-Russian sentiment. What they face is nothing compared to what national minorities face in Russia.
What is wrong with Azerbaijan’s mentality towards its women
Regardless of their age, profession, or status, a woman’s life is narrowed down to her body, its worth, and shape. Her dignity and privacy are disrespected and Azerbaijan’s patriarchal, macho mentality supports this.
Surviving economic hardships through Kazakhstan's ‘toi business’
The thriving toi business is a prism through which it is possible to read the complexities of the present, namely chronic unemployment, underdeveloped infrastructure, and strategies of survival under capitalism.
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