The Times Of Central Asia | Eurasian Publication & News Online

More than at any other time in recent history, the entire art world is this year tackling geopolitical identity issues. And while we usually delegate Biennales and non-commercial art events to take the pulse of our contemporary reality, this time an art fair took up this task: Art Abu Dhabi....

Criminal Responsibility

Tinker, Tailor, Kazakh Ties: UK Spy Trial Reveals Moscow’s Long Shadow in Kazakh Politics

Legislation

Uzbekistan Strengthens Criminal Penalties for Organising Mass Disturbances

Human Rights

Turkmenistan Bans Students from Celebrating New Year’s Eve

Authorities in Turkmenistan have imposed strict measures preventing students and schoolchildren from celebrating New Year’s Eve, requiring them to sign written pledges to abstain from festivities. Students are prohibited from hosting or attending parties at home or in cafes and are barred from being outdoors during the celebration. “Students have...

US Embassy

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum Resigns

Politics Geopolitics United States

Turkmenistan’s Geopolitical Shift Toward the West

Turkmenistan, whose foreign policy since 1995 has been based on the principle of permanent neutrality, is reportedly seeking to establish closer ties with the West, primarily with the United States. The energy-rich nation has long expressed an intention to export natural gas to Europe, but its leadership’s recent moves suggest...

Extremism

Central Asia Braces for Return of Radical Islamists Amid Syrian Turmoil

Sunkar Podcast

How Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Anchor a Strategic Middle-Power Hub in Central Asia

00:00 / 00:00

Special Coverage Kazakhstan Referendum on Nuclear Energy

Opinions

Turkmenistan’s Geopolitical Shift Toward the West

Nikola Mikovic

Kazakhstan, with China’s Help, Plans to Export Green Energy to Europe

Nikola Mikovic

Kazakhstan and Taliban Afghanistan: An Overview of Relations

Aidar Borangaziyev

Kazakhstan and Serbia Strengthen Ties Despite Different Geopolitical Paths

Nikola Mikovic

Risk and Reward: Why Savvy Investors Should Dive into Central Asia-Caspian Region

Dr. Elkhan Nuriyev

How Can Central Asian Countries Advance Democratization Efforts Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty?

Eldaniz Gusseinov

How Central Asia Is Shifting From Russia Towards Turkey

Nikola Mikovic

The Geopolitical Battle for Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant

Nikola Mikovic

Navigating Challenges: The ICG Reports on Taliban Drug Ban and Its Global Implications

Aidar Borangaziyev

Azerbaijan Is Bringing Uzbekistan into the Middle Corridor

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Why Does Energy-Rich Kazakhstan Want Tajikistan’s Uranium?

Nikola Mikovic

Bridging Continents: The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway – A Tale of Opportunities, Challenges, and Controversies

Irakli Chikhladze

Business & Economy

Economy

Kyrgyz Entrepreneurs Urged to Legalize Income

Kyrgyz entrepreneurs have been reminded to legalize their assets as the period for voluntary declaration of income and property nears its end on December 31, 2024. From January 2025, authorities are set to launch extensive inspections of businesses, prompting Temir Sariev, head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Kyrgyzstan, to call on business owners to act promptly. The law on voluntary legalization and amnesty of assets, introduced in 2023, offers citizens a chance to declare their assets with state guarantees of protection against criminal prosecution. By participating in the program, individuals and businesses can secure the preservation...

Agriculture

Kazakhstan Boosts Subsidies for Farmers Using Water-Saving Technologies

Economy

EDB Thinks Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Will Show Strongest Growth in 2025

Industry

Kazakhstan Faces Doubling of Construction Industry Labor Shortage by 2030

European Union

Uzbekistan Proposes 10-Year Extension of Duty Free Export Benefits to the EU

AI in Central Asia: Kazakhstan Unveils Multilingual GPT Model

Researchers at the Institute of Intelligent Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) at Nazarbayev University in Astana have introduced ISSAI KAZ-LLM, a large language model (LLM) specifically designed for the Kazakh language. Built on advanced neural network technology, the model serves as the foundation for Kazakhstan’s version of a generative AI system similar to GPT. ISSAI KAZ-LLM is tailored to Kazakhstan’s multilingual and multicultural environment, supporting Kazakh, Russian, and English, with additional functionality for Turkish. The model addresses language barriers and advances the field of generative artificial intelligence for resource-limited languages. The development team processed and synthesized over 150 billion tokens...

Trade

Uzbekistan Aims to Join WTO by 2026

Uzbekistan is intensifying efforts to finalize its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), aiming for completion by 2026. At the ninth meeting of the Working Group on Accession, held December 5-6, a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev reaffirmed the country’s commitment to this timeline. WTO members expressed support for Uzbekistan’s high-level political engagement, and encouraged continued alignment of its trade regime with international standards. Khodjayev emphasized that WTO accession is not merely a technical procedure but a critical driver of internal reforms. “This goal demonstrates the inevitability of Uzbekistan's integration into the global trading system. In...

Economy

Uzbekistan’s Debt to Russia Climbs Amid Rising Regional Loans

Russia’s foreign lending surged to over $30 billion in 2023, the highest level since 1999, with Egypt, Bangladesh, and India receiving the largest new loans. Uzbekistan also saw a notable rise in its debt to Russia during the year. Uzbekistan’s debt to Russia increased by $41.3 million in 2023, contributing to the overall growth in the country’s financial obligations to foreign lenders. Russia’s Top Debtors Belarus remains Russia’s largest debtor, with $7.75 billion in loans, accounting for 25% of Russia’s total foreign lending. Bangladesh follows with $6.6 billion (22%), and India ranks third with $4.1 billion (14%). Other significant borrowers...

Government

World Bank Chief Economist Owes a Bottle of Wine to Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet Chief

During a conversation with Hugh Riddell, head of the World Bank’s office in Kyrgyzstan, Akylbek Japarov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, shared an anecdote about a wager made with the World Bank’s chief economist. “In 2022, at a World Bank session in Washington, your chief economist and I bet that Kyrgyzstan’s economic growth over the next 3-4 years would remain stable and exceed 7%. He doubted this was possible and was ready to wager a bottle of fine wine,” Japarov recounted at a recent event focused on Kyrgyzstan’s development. Japarov highlighted the latest economic figures to underscore his point:...

Local Politics

Legislation

Uzbek Teenager Illegally Earned Over $2.5 Million Through Cryptocurrency

A 17-year-old boy has been detained in the Zhondor district of Uzbekistan’s Bukhara region for allegedly conducting illegal cryptocurrency transactions. Authorities claim the teenager engaged in the acquisition, transfer, and exchange of crypto-assets without obtaining the required licenses. Over the course of his activities, he reportedly amassed approximately 34 billion UZS (around $2.6 million). Law enforcement officials have filed a criminal case against the teenager under Article 278-8, Part 3, of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code. This article addresses violations of laws regulating cryptocurrency transactions. Authorities have seized all of the funds the teenager earned through his alleged activities. A preliminary investigation...

Energy

At Start of Winter Freeze, Kyrgyzstan’s Electricity Demand Hits Record High

Corruption

Capital Over Confinement in Sentencing of Raimbek “Millions” Matraimov

Digitalization

Kyrgyzstan Eyes Digital Currency to Modernize Financial System

Environment

Solid Waste Recycling Plant Under Construction in Bishkek

Finance

Hydropower Development in Kyrgyzstan Gets Boost from EDB

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, and the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan have signed a trilateral Memorandum of Cooperation for the Suusamyr-Kokomeren Hydropower Plant (HPP) Cascade Project. The memorandum outlines the EDB’s commitment to providing financial support for the preparation of project documentation, including a pre-feasibility study. The agreement focuses on developing the financial and economic model for the project, estimating capital costs, evaluating social and environmental impacts, and determining technical solutions and government support measures needed for its success. The Suusamyr-Kokomeren HPP Cascade will be located on the Kokomeren River and is expected...

Legislation

Uzbekistan Strengthens Criminal Penalties for Organising Mass Disturbances

On December 11, Uzbekistan's Parliament, the Oliy Majlis, adopted a draft law amending Article 244 of the Criminal Code, which addresses mass riots. The amendments, passed in the first reading, aim to strengthen legal measures against organizing or financing mass disturbances. Deputy Prosecutor General Svetlana Artikova explained the rationale behind the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals, society, and the state during turbulent times. “Is there criminal liability for training aimed at organizing mass disturbances or preparing weapons, explosives, or special devices for such purposes? In our opinion, there is,” Artikova stated. She highlighted that such actions threaten...

Mining

UK Supports €12.6M Deal to Boost Exports to Uzbekistan’s Copper Producer

UK Export Finance (UKEF) has guaranteed a €12.6 million ($13.25 million) loan to the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AMMC) in Uzbekistan. The loan will refinance the purchase of fully automated vehicles from the Scottish multinational company Weir and marks UKEF’s first agreement in Uzbekistan. The loan, provided by the International Bank, aims to support Weir’s exports to AMMC, one of Central Asia’s largest copper production facilities. “UK businesses are increasingly keen to bring their goods and services to this dynamic market - and UKEF is here to help buyers in Uzbekistan seize this opportunity,” said Tim Reid, CEO of...

Infrastructure Development

Kazakhstan Building Five Cross-Border Trade Hubs

Kazakhstan is advancing plans to establish five cross-border trade and economic hubs, aiming to position the country as a key global transport and logistics center. The initiative was reviewed at a government meeting on December 10. Strategic Hub Development Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev reported that significant progress has been made on the hubs, with rail and road links already in place. The planned hubs are: The Khorgos Hub: Located on the border with China. The Caspian Hub: Situated along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). The Eurasia Center for Cross-Border Trade: Positioned at the border with Russia....

International Affairs

Sanctions

U.S. Sanctions on Gazprombank Put Uzbekistan’s $4.8 Billion Copper Ambitions at Risk

Uzbekistan faces a significant economic challenge as U.S. sanctions on Russia’s Gazprombank disrupt the $4.8 billion Yoshlik mine expansion project. The project, managed by state-owned Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine (MMC), is critical to Uzbekistan’s plan to nearly double its copper production by 2026, according to The Diplomat. However, with Gazprombank now excluded from the international payments system, the project’s financing is at risk. The Russian Government directly owns 36.44% of Gazprombank's capital. Financing Challenges The Yoshlik mine expansion aims to increase copper output by 78% and gold production by 50%, making it a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s economic development strategy....

Criminal Responsibility

Tinker, Tailor, Kazakh Ties: UK Spy Trial Reveals Moscow’s Long Shadow in Kazakh Politics

Russia

Uzbek Deputy Proposes Introducing Visa Regime With Russia

Politics

Turkmenistan’s Geopolitical Shift Toward the West

Mining

UK Supports €12.6M Deal to Boost Exports to Uzbekistan’s Copper Producer

Extremism

West Monitors Syria for Plans of Jihadis, Some From Central Asia

Some counterterrorism experts in the West are assessing whether the ouster of Bashar Assad´s regime in Syria will lead to a recalibration of the Islamic militant groups that opposed him, some of which include especially hardline recruits from Central Asia. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian group that led an offensive into Aleppo and Damascus and forced Assad to flee in a span of two weeks, is trying to turn to governance with a relatively moderate image even though it was associated with Al-Qaeda earlier in the Syrian civil war and is labeled a terrorist organization on some Western lists....

US Embassy

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum Resigns

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum has announced his resignation, effective January 20, 2025. His departure coincides with similar resignations by U.S. Ambassadors Philip Goldberg in South Korea and Mark Libby in Azerbaijan, all stepping down from diplomatic service. The timing of these resignations has sparked speculation, as it aligns with the start of a new presidential term for Donald Trump. End of a Distinguished Career Rosenblum informed the Kazakh government of his decision on November 26, concluding a nearly 28-year career with the U.S. State Department. He has served as Chief of Mission in Kazakhstan since November 2022, representing...

Afghanistan

Kazakhstan Opens Pavilion in Uzbek-Afghan Border Trade Center

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration has announced the opening of a trade pavilion showcasing Kazakh products at the Termez International Trade Center, located in the town of Termez, Uzbekistan, near the Afghan border. The pavilion is expected to serve as a strategic platform for promoting Kazakh goods in the markets of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. The Termez International Trade Center is a crucial hub at the crossroads of Central Asian trade routes, facilitating significant trade flows between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. Opened on August 29, the center was inaugurated by Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and acting Afghan Deputy Prime Minister...

Extremism

Central Asia Braces for Return of Radical Islamists Amid Syrian Turmoil

According to experts, the recent collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria raises concerns about potential destabilization in Central Asia. This development may force regional governments to repatriate citizens who were lured by Islamist propaganda, while the future of the Astana format negotiations on Syria remains uncertain. The swift coup d'état in Syria saw opposition forces capture Damascus and much of the country within days. Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow, leaving a chaotic landscape dominated by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, often described as a successor to ISIS and Al-Qaeda. The situation has plunged Syria into further instability....

Life & Culture

Government

Government Approval Becomes Mandatory for New Mosques in Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz government has introduced a new regulation requiring government approval for the construction of mosques. Azamat Yusupov, the director of the State Commission on Religious Affairs (SCRA), announced the policy during a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament. Yusupov revealed that over 1,000 religious institutions in the country are currently operating without proper authorization. Of these, around 800 have been officially registered, while approximately 120 mosques remain unregistered. “In the past, mosques were often built first and registered later. Going forward, construction must be pre-approved by state authorities to ensure legal compliance. We will evaluate the necessity of...

Art and Culture

UAE Embracing the Silk Road Narrative: Central Asia at Art Abu Dhabi 2024

Human Rights

Turkmenistan Bans Students from Celebrating New Year’s Eve

Society

Kazakhstan Tops Central Asia with Region’s Highest Pensions

Food Security

High Food Costs and Growing Waistlines: Kazakhstan’s Struggle with Rising Obesity

Tourism

Citizens of Turkmenistan Can Apply for Simplified Entry to Russia

Citizens of Turkmenistan are now eligible to apply for a single-entry electronic visa (e-visa) to travel to Russia. This opportunity became available following an order by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, which expanded the list of countries eligible for simplified entry. The list now includes 64 countries, with Turkmenistan among the latest additions. The e-visa allows entry to Russia for purposes such as tourism, business, humanitarian activities, or visiting relatives and friends. The application process is conducted online through the official portal of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Notably, applicants are not required to provide invitations, hotel bookings, or...

Tourism

Second Train Tour Launched Between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan’s national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), has announced the launch of its second train tour, Jibek Joly (Silk Road) 2.0, connecting major cities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The inaugural journey on this new route will depart from Almaty on January 2, 2025, and return on January 7. The itinerary includes stops at some of the most iconic and culturally rich destinations in the region: Turkestan, Kazakhstan: Passengers will spend a full day exploring this ancient city, including a visit to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique architecture. Tashkent, Uzbekistan:...

Airports

Kyrgyzstan Opens Airport in Karakol – More New Routes Coming Soon

On December 11, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov inaugurated the reconstructed international airport in Karakol, the main city of the Issyk-Kul region. Situated southeast of Lake Issyk-Kul, Karakol is Kyrgyzstan’s winter tourism hub and home to the nation’s largest and most popular mountain ski resort. President Japarov highlighted the reopening of the Karakol International Airport as a pivotal move toward strengthening regional connectivity, boosting tourism, and enhancing Kyrgyzstan’s international profile. “This is just the beginning,” Japarov remarked, announcing plans for a major new development: a “Kyrgyz Courchevel,” envisioned as Central Asia’s largest and most modern ski resort. Located 70 kilometers from...

Education

Tajik Migrants Embrace Free English Courses to Pursue Jobs in Europe

Tajikistan has launched a free English online course for migrant workers aiming for employment in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The course, developed in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Smarthub educational platform, is part of the UK Seasonal Worker Program. This initiative provides participants with an opportunity to enhance their language skills at no cost. According to the IOM, over 200 participants have already completed the program. The curriculum covers essential communication skills, ranging from basic phrases and personal introductions to professional vocabulary necessary for workplace interactions. This initiative comes as Tajikistan...

Justice

Anti-Corruption

More Than Half of Uzbeks View Nepotism as a Corruption Problem

According to the United Nations, corruption costs developing countries approximately $1.26 trillion annually. Since 2016, Uzbekistan has undertaken significant reforms to combat corruption, including the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Agency, the simplification of public services, and the full digitalization of public procurement systems. A recent study conducted by Uzbekistan's Anti-Corruption Agency, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission of the Republic of Korea sheds light on public attitudes toward corruption. The study used surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews, covering all 14 regions of Uzbekistan and gathering responses from 503 participants. Key Findings The study...

Terrorism

Uzbek Government Files Criminal Case Against Citizen Over Jihadi Activities in Syria

Legislation

Kazakhstan’s Path to Judicial Reform and Transparency

Corruption Allegations

Following Corruption Arrests in Kyrgyzstan, MP Calls for PM Japarov to Resign

Human Rights

UN Expresses Concern Over Arrest of Kyrgyz Lawyer Samat Matsakov

Criminal Responsibility

Tinker, Tailor, Kazakh Ties: UK Spy Trial Reveals Moscow’s Long Shadow in Kazakh Politics

London's Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey, is currently hearing the trial of several Bulgarian nationals accused by the British authorities of spying for Russia’s intelligence services. The case is likely being scrutinized not only in Moscow but also in Astana, as at least two of the six alleged operations relate to Kazakhstan. A Favor for Nazarbayev The defendants, five Bulgarian citizens, are accused of planning six espionage operations, one of which centers around Bergey Ryskaliyev, a former senior Kazakh official during the presidency of Nursultan Nazarbayev.The accused filmed Ryskaliyev in his London home and plotted to alternately...

Corruption

Capital Over Confinement in Sentencing of Raimbek “Millions” Matraimov

Raimbek Matraimov, infamously known as “Millions” for his tremendous wealth, once wielded immense power in Kyrgyzstan. Rising to prominence as deputy chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Customs Service from 2015 to 2017, Matraimov’s tenure became synonymous with corruption and organized crime. His activities, alleged to have funneled monumental sums of money through shadowy operations, fashioned him not only as a dominant figure within the Customs Service but also as a key player in Kyrgyzstan’s criminal underworld. The Rise of Raimbek Matraimov During his time in the Customs Service, Matraimov amassed an extraordinary fortune. His influence extended beyond bureaucratic corridors, infiltrating the...

Justice

Kyrgyz Businessman Tashov, Accused of Plot to Seize Power, Attempts Suicide in Court

Imamidin Tashov, a Kyrgyz businessman and owner of the KG Group construction company, reportedly attempted suicide during court proceedings in his high-profile case involving allegations of plotting a violent seizure of power. According to media reports, Tashov attempted to slit his throat, prompting an immediate response from those present. Journalists and relatives were swiftly removed from the courtroom, and emergency medical personnel were called to the scene. Eyewitnesses reported that Tashov was carried out of the courthouse to receive medical attention. However, details about his condition and the specific circumstances of the incident remain unclear at this time. Tashov was...

Anti-Corruption

Kyrgyz Authorities Raid State Tax Service Offices

Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (SCNS) conducted searches across four district offices of the State Tax Service (STS), detaining several high-ranking employees on allegations of abuse of office. According to the SCNS, 30 tax officials were apprehended, including three of the four heads of the State Tax Service in Bishkek. These officials were placed in the SCNS pre-trial detention center on charges related to fraudulent shipping invoices. “During the inspection, it was revealed that major manufacturers and importers of excisable goods - such as alcohol and tobacco products - recorded revocations and withdrawals of shipping documents in the relevant...

Environment

Wildlife

Endangered Great Bustard Named Tajikistan’s Bird of the Year

The great bustard, also known as the red-breasted bustard, has been named the bird of the year for 2025 in Tajikistan. The decision, announced on December 11, followed a vote by the National Academy of Sciences. The rare bird, locally called dugdogi zebo, is listed in both the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and the Red Book of Tajikistan, signifying its endangered status. Since 2007, Tajikistan has annually designated a bird of the year to raise awareness about avian conservation. Previous honorees include an owl, corncrake, pheasant, paradise flycatcher, Tibetan eagle, peregrine falcon, white stork, and...

Caspian Sea

Mysterious Caspian Sea Shipwreck Discovered Near Aktau

Water Management

France to Help Kazakhstan Preserve Lake Balkhash

Funding Green Projects

One Billion Points for Planting Trees: Payme Users Helping Green Navoi

Air Pollution

Choking on Smog: Kazakhstan’s Ust-Kamenogorsk forced to suspend in-person schooling amid rising air pollution

Environment

Solid Waste Recycling Plant Under Construction in Bishkek

Bishkek municipality has announced progress on the construction of a solid waste recycling plant at the city’s sanitary landfill, supported by a Chinese investor. Concrete foundations are being poured, and equipment and components for the facility have begun arriving from China. Currently, over 180 Chinese workers and engineers are active at the site. On March 29, Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers and the Chinese investor signed an agreement for the plant’s construction. The facility will generate electricity by incinerating municipal solid waste. In its initial phase, the plant is expected to process 1,000 tons of waste daily, with plans to increase...

Geopolitics

Harnessing Diplomacy: Qosh Tepa Canal as a Bridge to U.S. Influence in Central Asia

The Center for the National Interest, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, has released a report titled Afghanistan’s Qosh Tepa Canal and Water Security in Central Asia. The report outlines how U.S. support for the Qosh Tepa Canal project could provide an opportunity for the incoming Trump administration to strengthen its influence in the region. Project Overview Currently under construction in northern Afghanistan, the Qosh Tepa Canal aims to divert water from the Amu Darya River to support agriculture and economic growth. The canal will stretch 287 kilometers, with a depth of 8.5 meters and an average width of 100 meters....

Water

Kazakhstan and World Bank Partner on Water Conservation at One Water Summit

A memorandum of understanding has been signed to enhance water resource management and environmental conditions, including in the North Aral Sea and its surrounding basin, between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the World Bank. As climate change continues to significantly impact water resources in Central Asia, exacerbating water scarcity and management challenges, this agreement underscores a shared commitment to ensuring sustainable and equitable water resource management for future generations. The memorandum was formalized following a meeting between Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga during the One Water Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,...

health security

Justice for Veterans: U.S. Acknowledges Cancer Cases Tied to Service at Uzbekistan’s K2 Base

Thousands of American veterans who served at Uzbekistan’s K2 airbase have reported rare cancers and diseases - but only now, more than two decades later, is the U.S. government taking steps to address their dire situation. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced plans to include bladder, urinary tract, and genitourinary cancers as conditions presumed to be linked to service at Uzbekistan’s Karshi-Khanabad airbase, known as K2. In 2001, the U.S. military moved into K2, a former Soviet airbase, to support a series of operations named “Enduring Freedom” which were purportedly aimed at tackling terrorism and Al-Qaeda in...

West Monitors Syria for Plans of Jihadis, Some From Central Asia

Latest

Features

Features

Sunkar Podcast

Latest

Sunkar Podcast

Opinions

Opinions

Nikola Mikovic

Nikola Mikovic

Aidar Borangaziyev

Nikola Mikovic

Dr. Elkhan Nuriyev

Eldaniz Gusseinov

Nikola Mikovic

Nikola Mikovic

Aidar Borangaziyev

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Nikola Mikovic

Irakli Chikhladze

Business & Economy

Business & Economy

Kyrgyz Entrepreneurs Urged to Legalize Income

AI in Central Asia: Kazakhstan Unveils Multilingual GPT Model

Uzbekistan Aims to Join WTO by 2026

Uzbekistan’s Debt to Russia Climbs Amid Rising Regional Loans

World Bank Chief Economist Owes a Bottle of Wine to Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet Chief

Local Politics

Local Politics

Uzbek Teenager Illegally Earned Over $2.5 Million Through Cryptocurrency

Hydropower Development in Kyrgyzstan Gets Boost from EDB

Uzbekistan Strengthens Criminal Penalties for Organising Mass Disturbances

UK Supports €12.6M Deal to Boost Exports to Uzbekistan’s Copper Producer

Kazakhstan Building Five Cross-Border Trade Hubs

International Affairs

International Affairs

U.S. Sanctions on Gazprombank Put Uzbekistan’s $4.8 Billion Copper Ambitions at Risk

West Monitors Syria for Plans of Jihadis, Some From Central Asia

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum Resigns

Kazakhstan Opens Pavilion in Uzbek-Afghan Border Trade Center

Central Asia Braces for Return of Radical Islamists Amid Syrian Turmoil

Life & Culture

Life & Culture

Government Approval Becomes Mandatory for New Mosques in Kyrgyzstan

Citizens of Turkmenistan Can Apply for Simplified Entry to Russia

Second Train Tour Launched Between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Kyrgyzstan Opens Airport in Karakol – More New Routes Coming Soon

Tajik Migrants Embrace Free English Courses to Pursue Jobs in Europe

Justice

Justice

More Than Half of Uzbeks View Nepotism as a Corruption Problem