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EU Expands Engagement with Turkmenistan Amid Regional Focus

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Trade Turnover Reaches $59.4 Billion in 2024

Features

Bilateral Cooperation

Kazakhstan and Italy to Strengthen Military Cooperation

Cultural Heritage

Kyrgyz Orthodox Bishop Urges Osh Authorities to Preserve Historic Cemetery

The head of the Orthodox Church in Kyrgyzstan has appealed to the mayor of Osh, the country's second city, to halt the planned demolition of an old cemetery as part of a large-scale urban reconstruction project. According to the bishop, the site is not only a burial ground but also...

Security

Videos Show Man Tackling Hostage-Taker at Almaty Airport

Women's Rights

Opinion: Balancing Rights and Realities – Engaging Afghanistan for Change

Military

One Military Alliance (CSTO) Monitors Woes of Another (NATO)

A “zombie” alliance, one Western analysis said. A “paper tiger,” said another. The Collective Security Treaty Organization, a regional group of post-Soviet states that includes Russia and several countries in Central Asia, has come in for some harsh criticism over the years because of perceptions that it is ineffective. Now,...

Criminal Responsibility

Mercenary Spies Unmasked: Guilty Verdict Exposes Global Disinformation and Sabotage Network

Art and Culture

Interview With Sara Raza – Director of the Tashkent Centre for Contemporary Art

Sara Raza is a litmus test for the spirit of the times in the shape of an art curator. In simple terms, art crowds can count on her direction for the Tashkent Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) to bring the most pressing issues in contemporary art to the foreground. Indeed,...

International Women's Day

How Women in Central Asia Celebrate International Women’s Day

Sunkar Podcast

Repatriating Islamic State Fighters and Families: Balancing Security and Humanity

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Opinions

Business & Economy

Rare Earth Metals

Kazakhstan Calls for Investigation into Rare Earth Metals Exports

Azat Peruashev, head of the Ak Zhol parliamentary faction, has urged authorities to investigate subsoil users over alleged uncontrolled exports of rare earth metals. Parliamentary Inquiry Peruashev outlined his concerns in a parliamentary request addressed to Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Service chief Askhat Zhumagali and Minister of Industry Ersaiyn Nagaspayev. "Social media posts by former Kazakhmys laboratory assistant Bakyt Adilova allege that the corporation exports ore and copper concentrate without conducting chemical analysis, concealing the presence of valuable and rare earth metals. She claims the company artificially devalues exported resources, harming the national economy to benefit oligarchs," Peruashev stated. He also cited...

Central Asia’s AI Pursuit: A Tale of Ambition and Progress

Gold

Uzbekistan Leads Global Gold Purchases in January

Middle Corridor

How the Middle Corridor Is a Game-Changer for Uzbekistan

Labor Market

Kazakhstan Boosts Vocational Training as Demand for Blue-Collar Workers Surges

e-Commerce

Foreign E-Commerce Platforms in Central Asia Face New Tax Burdens

Local business owners argue that foreign marketplaces enjoy unfair competitive advantages. To address this, Central Asian authorities plan to impose new tax requirements. For consumers, this move could mean higher inflation. Unequal Conditions In February, members of Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis highlighted that foreign marketplaces pay four times less in taxes than their local counterparts. Deputies from the Ak Zhol party, which advocates for business interests, have proposed requiring foreign e-commerce platforms to register with Kazakhstan’s tax authorities and pay value-added tax (VAT) on revenue from local buyers. This proposal targets major marketplaces such as Temu, Amazon, and AliExpress. In 2023, foreign...

Economic Cooperation

Kazakhstan Seeks Cooperation with South Korea in Lithium Production

Kazakhstan is ready to expand collaboration with South Korea in the exploration, extraction, and processing of lithium, a strategically vital resource for high-tech industries and sustainable economic development. This was stated by Nurgali Arystanov, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, during the Investment Dialogue on Critical Minerals between Korea and Kazakhstan, held in Seoul on February 28, according to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry. The event, organized with the support of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), brought together leading Korean companies, including Hyundai Development Company, POSCO International, and LX International, as well as scholars from Seoul...

Oil and Gas

Opinion: Tengiz, Karachaganak, and Kashagan: Kazakhstan Asserts Contract Stability Amid Lawsuits Exceeding $170 Billion

Following statements by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the intrigue surrounding the PSA agreements for Kashagan and Karachaganak and the stabilized contract for Tengiz have taken on new dimensions. Previously, in the articles, Breaking Down Kazakhstan’s Claims Against International Oil Consortiums and Is Kazakhstan Preparing to Take on the Oil Consortium “Whales?, TCA examined the ongoing lawsuits filed by the government and the authorized body, PSA LLC, against the North Caspian Operating Company N.V. (NCOC) and Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. (KPO), noting that the Ministry of Energy and KazMunayGas have not raised any claims against the joint venture Tengizchevroil LLP (TCO). While...

Agriculture

Uzbekistan to Invest $200 Million in Seed Production

Uzbekistan is expanding international cooperation in agriculture, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewing new sector development plans on March 3. The country is implementing agricultural reforms aimed at boosting efficiency through modern technologies and scientific research. Recently, Uzbek experts visited China, Italy, and Japan to study advanced farming practices, leading to new partnerships in the sector. Seed Production: A Key Priority High-quality seed production is essential for increasing crop yields. While Uzbekistan has 14 agricultural research institutes and 55 seed farms, they struggle to develop new seed varieties. As a result, many farmers rely on imported seeds, which are often more...

Local Politics

Energy

Japarov Urges Kyrgyz Citizens Not to Obstruct Small Hydropower Plant Construction

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov has urged citizens to support the construction of small hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) across the country, emphasizing their importance for energy independence. According to Japarov, 40 small HPPs are currently operational in Kyrgyzstan, generating 312.5 million kWh of electricity annually. Construction has begun on 37 additional small HPPs, with 18 set to be commissioned in 2025, adding a total capacity of 385.2 million kWh. Additionally, Kyrgyzstan has launched solar and wind power projects with a combined capacity of 5,624 MW to diversify its energy sources. Untapped Energy Potential and Local Resistance Despite having the capacity to...

USAID

USAID Pullback in Kazakhstan Creates Space for China and Raises Security Concerns – Expert

Tajikistan Elections

Tajikistan Announces Preliminary Parliamentary Election Results; OSCE Absent

Proposal

Proposal to Ban Sex Change Operations in Kazakhstan

Nuclear Power

Powering the Future: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Race to Tackle Energy Crises with Nuclear Plans

Corruption

Uzbekistan Ratchets Up Drive Against “Evil” of Corruption

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced a major shakeup of Uzbekistan’s campaign against corruption on Wednesday, ordering the dismissal of the heads of anti-corruption bodies in 117 ministries and departments and saying many officials had fostered mistrust by failing to deliver clean government as promised. Mirziyoyev, who took office in 2016, described corruption as an obstacle to Uzbekistan’s efforts to reform its economy. He said that, while there had been progress toward transparency, virtually every sector in the nation, including the media, schoolteachers, non-governmental groups and neighborhood authorities, should mobilize alongside the state to fight the scourge. “Corruption is such an...

Kazakhstan Introduces AI Regulation Bill to Ensure Human Oversight

Deputies of the Mazhilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan's parliament, have introduced a draft law titled On Artificial Intelligence. The legislation proposes a complete ban on digital systems that make decisions without human intervention. The bill was presented by one of its key developers, Mazhilis deputy Ekaterina Smyshlyayeva, who emphasized the need for a transparent and effective legal framework for integrating AI into Kazakhstan’s economy. “President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly highlighted the importance of AI development and issued relevant directives. During a recent visit to the Artificial Intelligence Development Center, he stressed the need for a balanced approach to AI...

National Identity

Kyrgyzstan’s Rebrand: New Country, or New Distractions?

On January 29, in what became a viral social media post, Seide Ibraimova and her mother drove to the site of VDNKh, the exhibition center built in the Kirghiz SSR to demonstrate the achievements of socialist science and culture. Her mother, wrapped in a white headscarf, reminisced happily about the times she’d spent there, surrounded by poplar trees in the shadow of the mountains. Seide’s father was one of the architectural team who built the main pavilion in 1974. But as they arrived at the site, they found nothing but rubble. The government had bulldozed the pavilion to make way...

Road

Kazakhstan Proposes “Idioten Test” for Repeat Traffic Offenders

Kazakhstan may introduce a special psychophysiological test for repeat traffic offenders, inspired by a practice used in Germany. Senate Deputy Marat Kozhayev has proposed that motorists who repeatedly commit the same traffic violations be subjected to such a test, which could result in the revocation of their driver's licenses. German "Idioten Test" as a Model for Kazakhstan Speaking at a roundtable on road safety, Kozhayev, who has an extensive background in law enforcement, suggested adopting stricter policies for repeat offenders. “In Germany, there is a so-called 'Idioten Test,' which drivers must undergo after committing three identical traffic offenses. This test...

International Affairs

Bilateral Cooperation

Kazakhstan and Italy to Strengthen Military Cooperation

Kazakhstan and Italy are set to take their bilateral relations to a new level by enhancing military cooperation through targeted collaborations and strategic agreements. This partnership represents a significant step in bolstering the defense capabilities of Kazakhstan while strengthening ties between the Central Asian power and a key European Union member state. Key Areas of Collaboration The partnership will focus on several critical areas, including joint training initiatives, personnel exchanges, and advancements in military technology. Known for its ambitious modernization efforts across various sectors, Kazakhstan sees collaboration with Italy as an opportunity to upgrade its defense infrastructure and expertise. With...

Military

One Military Alliance (CSTO) Monitors Woes of Another (NATO)

Trade War

How Trump’s Trade War on China Affects Central Asia

Border

Kyrgyzstan Hails Border Deal with Tajikistan as Major Diplomatic Success

Aktau Plane Crash

Russian Insurer Pays Compensation for AZAL Crash Near Aktau

Economic Cooperation

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Implement Free Trade Agreement

On February 25, 2025, the free trade agreement between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan officially came into effect, eliminating customs duties on most goods produced in both countries, with certain exceptions. This landmark move aims to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two neighbors. The announcement was made by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade on March 7, following the completion of all legal procedures for the Protocol on Exceptions to the Free Trade Regime, signed on July 16, 2024. The protocol had been approved earlier by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev through Resolution No. 29 on January 27, 2025. Key...

Civil Aviation

Wizz Air to Offer Uzbek-Language Service After Passenger Complaint

Uzbekistan’s Competition Committee has investigated a passenger complaint against Wizz Air and taken action to improve service for Uzbek travelers. As a result, the airline will now provide Uzbek-language assistance on flights to Uzbekistan. The Complaint The issue came to public attention when Rasul Kusherbayev, a former deputy and adviser to the Minister of Ecology, encountered a language barrier on a Wizz Air flight from Samarkand to Abu Dhabi. Kusherbayev, who was seated near the emergency exit, was given safety instructions in English. Since he did not understand English, he requested an explanation in Uzbek or Russian. However, instead of...

Russia

Tokayev and Putin Talk Trade, Their Offices Say

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone on Thursday, a relatively routine occurrence that came at an extraordinary time of growing rifts in the Western alliance and U.S. pressure on Ukraine to make a peace deal with Russia. After the call, the offices of Tokayev and Putin made no reference to the rapidly moving events and disruption that U.S. President Donald Trump has triggered since he began his second term in January, instead releasing the kind of statement that their neighboring nations have issued on many other occasions. The two leaders “emphasized the dynamic growth...

Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Rentier State or Hostage to Foreign Aid?

The current geopolitical turbulence presents Afghanistan and the countries of Central Asia with serious challenges. After the Taliban's return to power in 2021, Afghanistan found itself in a state of deep economic crisis, and its continued stability once again depends on external assistance. However, with the shifting global order, traditional donors such as the U.S. and the European Union are scaling back their involvement in Afghan affairs, while new sources of support remain uncertain. This creates significant risks for the countries of the region, which must find ways to minimize the consequences of Afghanistan’s crisis and ensure their own security....

Life & Culture

Music

Kazakhstan’s Dimash Kudaibergen Lights Up Times Square

Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen’s latest song, "Love’s Not Over Yet," is currently being broadcast on digital billboards in New York’s Times Square. According to DimashNews, the initiative was organized by a U.S.-based fan group, US Dears. The music video is being displayed on four screens at three different locations, including a prominent site featuring both a main and overhead screen. One of these locations, near a subway station, ensures that a large number of passersby can view the broadcast. Prior to this, Dimash’s fans arranged a private premiere screening of the video in a rented hall, which was attended by...

Cultural Heritage

Kyrgyz Orthodox Bishop Urges Osh Authorities to Preserve Historic Cemetery

Art and Culture

Interview With Sara Raza – Director of the Tashkent Centre for Contemporary Art

Sport

Uzbek Star Khusanov Named Man City’s Player of the Month

Ramadan

Fast Now, Feast Later: The Culinary Traditions of Ramadan in Uzbekistan

Migration

World Bank Report Examines Migration Trends in Central Asia

The World Bank has released a report titled The Way Forward: Supporting Successful Migration in the Europe and Central Asia Region, which analyzes migration trends and their impact on countries in the region, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Migration remains a significant issue in Europe and Central Asia, a region home to 100 million migrants, one-third of the world’s total migrant population. People move across borders in search of better job opportunities, as well as in response to changing demographics, climate change, and conflicts. This trend is expected to continue. According to the report, most migrants from Tajikistan and...

Security

Videos Show Man Tackling Hostage-Taker at Almaty Airport

A Kazakh man who disarmed a hostage-taker by grabbing the knife from his hand at Almaty International Airport is being celebrated internationally for his courage. Several videos and accounts of the dramatic scene in the airport on Friday are circulating widely on the internet. The videos show the assailant holding a woman by her hair and making threats as security officials converge. He then lets go of the woman after a man offers himself as a hostage - and disarms the hostage-taker shortly afterward. A scuffle ensues as the man and officials subdue the attacker. Multiple reports identified the man...

International Women's Day

How Women in Central Asia Celebrate International Women’s Day

March 8, International Women’s Day, holds a special place in Central Asia. Over the years, the holiday has evolved from its Soviet-era roots into a modern celebration that blends tradition with contemporary interpretations. The Soviet Past: March 8 as a Day for Working Women During the Soviet Union, March 8 was more than a celebration of spring and femininity, it symbolized the struggle for women’s rights and equality. The day honored working women, with official ceremonies highlighting their achievements. State-run enterprises and organizations staged formal events and presented flowers and gifts to female employees, and media outlets published articles about...

Health

Kyrgyzstan Weighs Organ Transplants for Foreign Patients

Kyrgyzstan is considering allowing kidney transplants for foreign citizens as part of its efforts to expand medical tourism, Health Minister Erkin Checheybayev announced. Rising Transplant Numbers According to the Ministry of Health, kidney transplants in Kyrgyzstan are on the rise. In 2024, the number of such procedures increased by 36.4% compared to the previous year. “Kidney transplantation is a life-saving operation for patients on dialysis. Developing this field is crucial, as organ transplants ease the burden on the healthcare system and significantly improve patients’ quality of life. We are working on a regulatory framework to ensure sustainable financing and fair...

Justice

Women's Rights

Opinion: Balancing Rights and Realities – Engaging Afghanistan for Change

The attention of the international community has once again turned to human rights in Afghanistan following the latest report by Richard Bennett, the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan. In his report, Bennett recommended that member states consider the concept of gender apartheid and support its codification, noting that Afghan women regard this term as the most accurate description of their situation. This initiative emerged in response to the tightening restrictions on women and girls imposed by the Taliban. The renewed focus on gender issues is not exactly what Central Asian countries expect in the context of...

Rukhshona Khakimova

Tajik Women Unite to Urge Rahmon to Grant Leniency for Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova

Women's Rights

Feminists in Kazakhstan Under Pressure Ahead of International Women’s Day

Corruption

Recovering Assets: Kazakhstan’s Prosecutors Expand Network to Moldova, Bulgaria

Terrorism

Tajik National Arrested in U.S. for Supporting ISIS-K, Faces 45 Years in Prison

Criminal Responsibility

Mercenary Spies Unmasked: Guilty Verdict Exposes Global Disinformation and Sabotage Network

A spy cell in the UK, including five Bulgarian nationals, targeted multiple individuals and locations over nearly three years, according to court documents at The Old Bailey, officially known as the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales. The court case, which has played out over fourteen weeks, tells the story of a rogue group of six individuals aiming to leverage statecraft, intelligence, and a willingness to be ruthless for monetary gain. The trial has revealed that the defendants worked under the direction of Jan Marsalek, an Austrian national described by prosecutors as a Russian agent involved in espionage activities....

Human Rights

International Human Rights Activists Demand Release of Tajik Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders has strongly condemned the sentencing of Tajik journalist Rukhshona Khakimova, calling on Tajik authorities to release her immediately and unconditionally. In a statement issued on March 3, the Observatory asserted that Khakimova’s prosecution is linked to her participation in a politically sensitive poll on China’s influence in Tajikistan. The survey, commissioned by the Kyrgyz NGO Barometer, included interviews with political figures, some of whom belong to the opposition and face pressure from authorities. “Ms. Khakimova is officially charged with ‘high treason’ under Article 305 of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code. This charge is...

Immigration

Turkmenistan’s Security Services Interrogate Citizens Deported from the U.S.

Citizens deported from the United States arrived in Turkmenistan in the first half of February. They were transported on a flight alongside migrants from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. After landing in Ashgabat, where 40 Turkmen citizens disembarked, the plane continued on to Tashkent. Upon arrival, all deportees were sent to their places of permanent residence, where they were interrogated by officers from the Ministry of National Security (MNS). Among the group were 13 individuals who had previously applied for asylum in the U.S. Intelligence officers are reportedly scrutinizing these individuals to determine whether they made negative statements about Turkmenistan while seeking...

AZAL Plane Crash

Azerbaijan Mulls Praise from Chechnya Two Months After Crash

Two months ago, an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed in Kazakhstan after – Azerbaijan says – it was accidentally hit by Russian ground fire in the Russian region of Chechnya. Now Chechnya’s leader says he wants to give an award to the surviving crew members, an announcement that initially angered some people in Azerbaijan, considering the alleged culpability of forces on the ground. Two of five crewmembers survived the Dec. 25 crash that killed a total of 38 people on the airliner that had been flying from Baku to Grozny, Chechnya’s capital, only to divert across the Caspian Sea and crash...

Environment

Ecology

Dams Threaten Central Asia’s Rare Fish and River Ecosystems

A recent study by the international environmental coalition Rivers Without Boundaries has identified key river basins in Central Asia critical for biodiversity. However, many of these ecosystems face significant threats due to dam construction and small hydroelectric power plants, which disrupt natural habitats and endanger migratory fish species. Using geographic information system (GIS) technology based on the ArcGIS platform, researchers found that only 12% of Central Asia’s rivers remain in their natural state, supporting rare and endemic fish species. Another 7% of heavily altered freshwater areas are classified as critical habitats for endangered species, including the Amu Darya Shovelnose and...

Water

Four New Reservoirs to Be Built in Kazakhstan

Environment

Caspian Sea Shrinking Faster Than Expected, Risking Aral Sea-Like Disaster

Infrastructure Projects

Securing Central Asia’s Future: EBRD’s Regional Head on the Fight for Water Sustainability

Water

Experts Warn Central Asia Faces Chronic Water Shortage by 2028

Air Pollution

U.S. Ends Air Quality Data Sharing from Embassies

The United States has announced it will no longer share air quality data gathered from its diplomatic missions worldwide. This decision has sparked concerns among environmental groups, public health advocates, and nations that rely on this data to track pollution and safeguard public health. For over a decade, U.S. embassies and consulates have provided invaluable air quality data using state-of-the-art equipment to monitor pollutants such as PM2.5, a fine particulate matter with serious health implications at high levels. Updated hourly, this information was readily accessible online, empowering individuals and governments to make informed decisions on managing air pollution risks. The...

Environment

Chinese Company to Build Waste Recycling Plant in Osh

China’s Hunan Junxin Huanbao KG Invest will build a solid waste incineration plant in Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest city, as part of a project to generate electricity from municipal waste. According to the Osh municipality, Mayor Jenyshbek Toktorbayev signed an agreement with the Chinese company during his visit to Changsha, the capital of China’s Hunan Province, in early March. The agreement includes the preparation of a feasibility study, with construction set to begin in the coming months. The project is expected to cost $90 million. Similar Project Underway in Bishkek The Times of Central Asia reported that Hunan Junxin Huanbao KG...

Water

Report Addresses Cross-Border Challenges in Irtysh River Basin

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has released a report titled “The Irtysh River Basin: Transboundary Challenges and Practical Solutions”, analyzing the water resources of the transboundary Irtysh River basin, shared by China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The report highlights growing water demand in all three countries and proposes practical solutions to address cross-border challenges. Strategic Importance of the Irtysh River The Irtysh River, the world’s longest transboundary tributary, stretches 4,248 km and, together with the Ob River, forms Russia’s longest waterway, the second longest in Asia and the seventh longest globally. Flowing from China through Kazakhstan into Russia, the river is...

Water Supply

Kyrgyzstan Reports Increase in Irrigation Water Supply

As Kyrgyzstan seeks to expand the production and export of environmentally friendly organic agricultural products, ensuring a stable supply of irrigation water remains a crucial issue for both local farmers and government authorities responsible for the country’s irrigation infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, Kyrgyzstan has 498 reservoirs with a total storage capacity of 1.8 billion cubic meters of irrigation water. During the 2025 growing season, this water will be used to irrigate 1.022 million hectares of farmland across the country. Infrastructure Improvements and Modernization To prevent water shortages in 2025, the ministry undertook...

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Implement Free Trade Agreement

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Features

Features

Sunkar Podcast

Latest

Sunkar Podcast

Opinions

Opinions

Aidar Borangaziyev

Aidar Borangaziyev

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Business & Economy

Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Calls for Investigation into Rare Earth Metals Exports

Foreign E-Commerce Platforms in Central Asia Face New Tax Burdens

Kazakhstan Seeks Cooperation with South Korea in Lithium Production

Opinion: Tengiz, Karachaganak, and Kashagan: Kazakhstan Asserts Contract Stability Amid Lawsuits Exceeding $170 Billion

Uzbekistan to Invest $200 Million in Seed Production

Local Politics

Local Politics

Japarov Urges Kyrgyz Citizens Not to Obstruct Small Hydropower Plant Construction

Uzbekistan Ratchets Up Drive Against “Evil” of Corruption

Kazakhstan Introduces AI Regulation Bill to Ensure Human Oversight

Kyrgyzstan’s Rebrand: New Country, or New Distractions?

Kazakhstan Proposes “Idioten Test” for Repeat Traffic Offenders

International Affairs

International Affairs

Kazakhstan and Italy to Strengthen Military Cooperation

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Implement Free Trade Agreement

Wizz Air to Offer Uzbek-Language Service After Passenger Complaint

Tokayev and Putin Talk Trade, Their Offices Say

Afghanistan: Rentier State or Hostage to Foreign Aid?