Uzbekistan Lead Story - The Times Of Central Asia

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Uzbekistan Searches for Two Chechens Accused of Allamjonov Assassination Attempt

Uzbekistan has placed two Chechen residents, Bislan Rasayev and Shamil Temirkhanov, on Interpol’s wanted list in connection with an alleged assassination attempt. According to Vzglyad.uz, the two men are accused of multiple crimes and were allegedly offered $1.5 million to kill Komil Allamjonov, the former head of the Information Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, and Dmitry Li, head of the National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP). Rasayev, 36, and Temirkhanov, 31, reportedly attempted to assassinate Allamjonov. Investigators allege that the pair entered Uzbekistan via separate routes -- one crossing the Uzbek-Kyrgyz border illegally and the other entering through the Dostlik checkpoint -- while following instructions from their clients. The case gained attention following reports of an armed attack on October 26. According to the Prosecutor General's Office, the incident occurred outside Tashkent, on Ifor Street in the Qibray district. Unidentified individuals fired multiple shots at a Range Rover driven by a man identified as "S.S." before fleeing the scene. The investigation has revealed material evidence collected at the crime scene, in vehicles used by the suspects, and at their places of residence. These findings have been critical to the case. Authorities have identified seven individuals connected to the crime. While five suspects are currently in custody, Rasayev and Temirkhanov remain at large. Some media outlets have speculated about possible links to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, though no official confirmation has been provided.

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Anti-Migrant Wave Rises in Russia Following General’s Murder

Anti-migrant sentiment is intensifying in Russia following the murder of a high-ranking general, with calls from populist media outlets and bloggers urging the Kremlin to tighten its migration policies. Experts warn that this tension is likely to escalate. They argue that the Russian authorities are redirecting public frustration toward Central Asians as a means of improving domestic social stability. Anti-migrant rhetoric coming out of Russia is increasingly being wielded as a tool to exert leverage on Central Asian nations. General Kirillov Murder: Uzbeks Question Russian Narrative of Kurbonov's Arrest The recent arrest of an Uzbek citizen accused of committing a terrorist act - allegedly recruited by Ukrainian security services - has added fuel to the fire. This incident follows a long-standing pattern of discrimination against Central Asian labor migrants in Russia. In Uzbekistan, people are questioning the arrest in Moscow this week of 29-year-old courier Akhmadjon Kurbonov, who stands accused of murdering Russian general Igor Kirillov. The head of Russia's radiation, chemical, and biological defense forces, Kirillov was heavily involved in Russia's war with Ukraine. The media in Russia has claimed that Kurbonov carried out the assassination - and that of Kirillov's assistant Ilya Polikarpov - on behalf of the Ukrainian government in exchange for financial reward and residency in Europe. This version of events has sparked widespread debate in Uzbekistan. On social media, people have raised questions about the credibility of the allegations. Analyst Shuxrat Rasul described the accusation as “hard to believe.” On Facebook, Uzbek citizens such as Anvar Sagdullayev have questioned the narrative, commenting, “How can a man accused of murder appear so calm, as if reciting a prepared script? Perhaps this was orchestrated by interests closer to home.” Another Facebook user, Raimbergan Kuchkarov, speculated that internal conflicts are being stoked by using migrants as scapegoats. “The Russians themselves likely don’t know where their generals live. Why would a high-ranking officer be targeted by someone from Uzbekistan? This seems like a provocation,” Kuchkarov wrote. The case has also raised concerns among Uzbek immigrants in Russia, who fear that collective blame for the alleged actions of one individual may exacerbate prejudice and discrimination against their community. The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Russia has responded by stating that it is in contact with Russian law enforcement agencies and is working to verify details regarding the detained Uzbek citizen. On December 19, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral and regional cooperation. The leaders highlighted the importance of close collaboration between their countries’ special services to combat security threats. The Kremlin noted that the discussion was initiated by the Uzbek side. During the call, Mirziyoyev expressed condolences for the deaths of General Kirillov and Polikarpov, condemning the attack as a “heinous act of terrorism.” Increasing Pressure The situation for migrants in Russia has worsened significantly since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Migrants have faced frequent raids, detentions, and the threat of deportation. Legislative changes have further tightened entry and residency rules....

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

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are driving Central Asia’s global significance. Together, they are turning Central Asia into a strategic middle-power hub. The two countries increasingly act as central nodes in a region key to global supply chains and, inevitably, geopolitical competition. However, they are not merely reactive to changes around them, but are highly dynamic. What does it mean to say that the region is emerging as a strategic middle-power "hub"? The notion of a hub extends beyond the national profiles of the two principals, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, to include the aggregation of collective influence. Central Asia is recognized as a cohesive entity in global forums. Kazakhstan’s energy wealth combines with Uzbekistan’s demographic strength, creating an influential synergy beneficial to the entire region. The interplay between their respective strengths allows them to amplify Central Asia’s voice in international institutions and negotiations collectively. By integrating their regional strategies within global frameworks — such as the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) — Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan enhance the region’s geopolitical relevance. Kazakhstan, for example, has successfully advocated for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, also called the "Middle Corridor"). This transcontinental trade route is emerging as a lynchpin in Eurasian logistics, connecting China to Europe via the Caspian Sea. Uzbekistan, for its part, has emphasized the integration of transport and energy infrastructure. These initiatives align with the broader vision of a unified Central Asia. The leadership of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan has reinforced the region's collective identity as the "C5" group, also including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. This regional bloc has become a diplomatic focal point for major powers like the United States, China, Germany, and Japan. All of them engage with Central Asia through structured consultations within the C5 framework. These meetings have given the region traction in international diplomacy. The elevation of the C5 group reflects the region's new prominence. The United States engages with the C5 on issues ranging from regional security to sustainable development, emphasizing its commitment to a secure and prosperous Central Asia. China’s cooperation under the C5+1 mechanism complements its transcontinental infrastructure initiatives. Germany focuses on sustainable energy and governance, while Japan prioritizes infrastructure and technology transfers. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan together have over two-thirds of the region's gross domestic product and two-thirds of its population. Kazakhstan's vast natural resources undergird its economic influence, while its geographic expanse (as the ninth-largest country in the world) makes it central to major connectivity initiatives. Through President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's nuanced foreign policy, Kazakhstan has adeptly balanced relationships with major powers, ensuring that it remains a key partner for Russia, China, and the European Union. Uzbekistan has surged to prominence through its ambitious domestic reforms and proactive engagement for regional cooperation under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who has implemented market liberalization measures attracting foreign investment and reinvigorating its economy. As the most populous country in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is an indispensable actor in regional affairs....