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Crossroads Asia
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Again Designated as Religious Freedom Violators, Granted Waivers
By Catherine Putz
Yet again, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan – alongside Saudi Arabia and Pakistan – have been granted waivers from sanctions related to their religious freedom violations.
Challenges in Mongolia’s Upcoming Election
By Bolor Lkhaajav and Enkhbaigali Byambasuren
June 2024 will see the first elections since constitutional changes reconfigured Mongolia’s legislature and electoral system.
Nietbay Urazbayev, Karakalpak Diaspora Leader, Dies in Kazakhstan
By Catherine Putz
“One of the best of our people has left -- and this further complicates relations between the Karakalpaks and the Uzbek authorities,” a fellow Karakalpak activist told The Diplomat.
Following China’s Export of Sanctioned Goods Through Central Asia to Russia
By Dilfuza Mirzakhmedova, Shakhriyor Ismailkhodjaev, and Kamila Fayzieva
Goods exported to Russia from China via Central Asia need not be weapons in order to contribute to Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
Russian Neo-Imperialist Assertions Spark Pushback in Uzbekistan
By Mukhammadsodik Donaev
Reactions in Uzbekistan following Zakhar Prilepin’s comments are indicative of a larger, ongoing conversation about nationhood, independence, and national identity in Central Asia.
Uzbek Man Jailed for Social Media Posts Criticizing Mirziyoyev for Supporting Russia’s Putin
By Catherine Putz
Bunyodjon Boboniyozov was given a five-year sentence under criminal charges related to insulting the president and posing a threat to the constitutional order.
The Tokayev Interview and Nazarbayev’s Long Shadow
By Catherine Putz
Kazakh President Tokayev says he “openly told Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev that the political arrogance of his close associates almost destroyed the country.”
Kyrgyzstan’s New Flag Debuts in Bishkek
By Catherine Putz
The rays on the sun are a little straighter -- even if the priorities of the Kyrgyz government remain wavering.
Taliban Accuse Tajik, Pakistani Citizens of Carrying out Attacks in Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
“Dozens of Tajikistan citizens have been killed in our operations and dozens of others have been arrested,” acting Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid said.
Mongolian Policymakers Must Prioritize the Energy Sector in 2024
By Bolor Lkhaajav
A cohesive strategy aimed at improving the country’s energy sector has become a dire necessity.
What Happens to Central Asian Youth After Following China’s ‘Educational Silk Road?’
By Adina Masalbekova and Nigora Tangatarova
In contrast to the past, when youth from Central Asia largely migrated to Russia and other countries to do hard, physical labor, the younger generation is more focused on looking for educational opportunities abroad.
China’s Electric Vehicle Expansion in Central Asia
By Nargiza Murataliyeva and Shakhriyor Ismailkhodjaev
Chinese electric vehicles are making inroads into Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, but for different reasons.