Our People > Aliya Haidar

Aliya Haidar

Journalist

Aliya Haidar is a Kazakhstani journalist. She started her career in 1998, and has worked in the country's leading regional and national publications ever since.

Articles

USAID

USAID’s Retreat from Kazakhstan: Central Asia Braces for a New Power Struggle

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has long been a key player in funding various projects in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, supporting both development initiatives and media organizations. However, under the new administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the agency's activities have been significantly curtailed. With USAID scaling back its operations, the question arises: Who will step in to fill the gap? USAID’s Departure: A Near Total Withdrawal While USAID is reducing its presence, it is not shutting down entirely. The Trump administration has announced plans to retain a mere 294 of the agency’s more than 10,000 employees worldwide, according to a BBC report. Following these drastic cuts, only twelve staff members will remain in USAID’s Africa bureau and eight in its Asia bureau. USAID’s website states that nearly all of its employees will be furloughed, foreign aid programs have been suspended, and control over the agency has effectively shifted to the U.S. State Department. The agency’s annual budget previously exceeded $50 billion. In Kazakhstan, USAID’s official website is now inaccessible. The platform contained key data, including lists of grant recipients - journalists, media professionals, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that received funding for various projects. While some USAID-backed initiatives supported modernization efforts, healthcare, and education, others were seen as promoting U.S. political interests. According to available data, in 2024, USAID allocated $15.2 million to Kazakhstan, distributed as follows: Healthcare - $8.8 million Democracy, human rights, and governance – $3.7 million Support programs - $1.39 million Peace and security - $833,000 Economic development - $438,000 Humanitarian assistance - $23,000 Education and social services - $4,000 Despite these allocations, Kazakhstan does not rank among the top ten recipients of USAID funding. The Trump administration has also disclosed additional details regarding U.S. foreign aid spending. White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt stated that under President Joe Biden, $4.5 million was allocated to combat disinformation in Kazakhstan. Leavitt criticized such expenditures, claiming that alongside Kazakhstan’s disinformation initiatives, U.S. taxpayers had also funded projects such as gender reassignment programs in Guatemala ($2 million), tourism promotion in Egypt ($6 million), a new Sesame Street show in Iraq ($20 million). Reactions in Kazakhstan Public opinion in Kazakhstan regarding USAID's role is divided. Many officials and commentators have criticized what they perceive as foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs. Mazhilis Deputy Magerram Magerramov has accused USAID of lobbying for the interests of the LGBT community, citing U.S. officials, including Elon Musk and Donald Trump, who have labeled USAID a “criminal organization.” “Official White House statements claim that USAID has been unaccountable to U.S. taxpayers and has funneled huge sums into ‘absurd’ and ‘harmful’ projects. For example, between 2022 and 2025, USAID allocated $2 million to ‘strengthen human rights and equality’ in Central Asia. However, the program’s executor is the European International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association. We need full transparency regarding which funds are allocated, by whom, for what purposes, and who benefits from them. This must end in Kazakhstan,” Magerramov stated. The...

1 year ago

Economy

Trump’s Trade Wars and Kazakhstan’s Economic Jitters

U.S. President Donald Trump is addressing his country's economic challenges with aggressive trade policies, threatening tariff barriers and demanding concessions from major economies. The Times of Central Asia explores whether these actions could deepen economic challenges in Kazakhstan and the broader Central Asian region. A New Round of Trade Wars In early February, the United States officially announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, alongside a reduced 10% tariff on Canadian energy resources. Additionally, a 10% tariff was imposed on all Chinese imports. The justification given was to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. While Mexico and Canada managed to delay the new tariffs through negotiations, China responded swiftly with retaliatory measures. According to China's Ministry of Finance, Beijing imposed a 10% tariff on U.S. oil and agricultural machinery imports, and a 15% duty on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Additionally, Chinese regulators launched an antitrust investigation into Google, further escalating tensions. Despite these developments, a resolution remains possible, though seemingly ever more distant. On February 3, Trump announced plans to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but that call was then canceled following China's retaliatory measures. In a further escalation, on February 5, the US Postal Service said it has stopped accepting parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong until further notice. Meanwhile, Trump has also signaled plans to impose new duties on goods from the European Union. As of November 2024, China was the third-largest U.S. trading partner, accounting for 11.3% of total U.S. foreign trade. Mexico (15.4%) and Canada (13.8%) ranked first and second, respectively. In contrast, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian nations do not rank among the top 15 U.S. trading partners. Domestic Issues Outweigh External Pressures According to economist Aidarkhan Kusainov, Trump's trade policies are unlikely to have a direct impact on Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Speaking to The Times of Central Asia, Kusainov argued that domestic economic challenges far outweigh the influence of global trade wars. "Our economy faces significant internal distortions, making global trade wars a relatively minor factor. Inflation in Kazakhstan is not caused by external pressures but by rising fuel and utility costs, tax policies, and discussions about increasing value-added tax (VAT). Within a short period, the tenge’s exchange rate against the U.S. dollar has shifted from 490 to 530," he said. Kusainov further emphasized that if Kazakhstan's inflation rate were around 2%, any impact from global factors would be worth analyzing. However, with official inflation at 9% - and real inflation likely much higher - domestic issues are the primary concern. "Our economy is so small compared to the world's leading economies that its presence in the global market is nearly imperceptible. By economic volume, we are smaller than some Chinese provinces. Other Central Asian countries are even less integrated into global trade," Kusainov noted. He warned that only a large-scale global crisis could significantly impact Kazakhstan’s economy, potentially exposing internal vulnerabilities that the government can no longer mitigate. Inflation Risks Inflation remains a pressing concern in...

1 year ago

Trump Administration

USAID Freeze Leaves Central Asian NGOs in Limbo

On January 20, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending funding for most foreign aid programs for 90 days. The move has raised concerns among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan, which has long benefited from U.S. assistance. The order reads: “All heads of departments and agencies responsible for United States foreign development assistance programs shall immediately suspend new commitments and disbursements of development assistance funds to foreign countries and non-governmental implementing organizations, international organizations, and contractors pending a review of such programs for effectiveness and consistency with United States foreign policy to be conducted within 90 days of this order.” Following this directive, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed all diplomatic and consular agencies to issue “stop-work orders” for nearly all active foreign assistance programs. Impact on Kazakhstan and Central Asia According to reports, the funding freeze is expected to affect university grant programs, entrepreneurial initiatives, gender diversity projects, and environmental efforts. The Trump administration has justified the decision by citing the need to reassess spending priorities. Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries have received U.S. aid for decades. USAID, in particular, has played a significant role in regional development. The agency’s website states: “In Kazakhstan, USAID promotes the U.S. government's Central Asia Strategy, which supports and strengthens the sovereignty and independence of Central Asian countries, both individually and collectively. It also promotes regional connectivity between Central Asia and Afghanistan, advances the rule of law and respect for human rights, and improves the climate for U.S. investment to foster greater regional stability and prosperity.” Since 1992, USAID has funded projects in Kazakhstan focusing on economic diversification, energy, environmental protection, healthcare, and support for media and NGOs. In addition to funding NGOs, USAID collaborates with KazAID, Kazakhstan’s foreign aid agency operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Reactions from NGO Leaders Denis Dzhivaga, director of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law (KIBHR), told The Times of Central Asia that the aid suspension had been anticipated. “Such a measure was expected," said Dzhivaga. "Even during the election campaign and Trump’s previous presidency, it was clear that he prioritized domestic policy over foreign influence. All NGOs working with USAID and receiving State Department assistance have received letters to halt projects.” However, Dzhivaga noted that KIBHR has limited cooperation with U.S. agencies, so the impact on his organization will be minimal. “In any case, this will negatively affect the NGO sector. The suspension is for three months pending an audit, but even USAID does not seem to know what will happen afterward. I don’t think U.S. assistance to Kazakhstan and Central Asia will stop entirely, but certain projects may be reconsidered - especially those related to discrimination, gender issues, and LGBT rights, as President Trump has already expressed opposition to such initiatives.” Replacing U.S. funding with alternative grants will be challenging, he added. “European donors are already struggling to finance Ukraine, so they are unlikely to allocate substantial funds elsewhere. Many U.S.-backed...

1 year ago

Approval Ratings

Tokayev’s Approval Rating Soars Amid Economic Gains, But Leadership Challenges Persist

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s approval rating remains consistently high, as confirmed by multiple surveys. However, experts note challenges within Kazakhstan's political landscape, including a lack of standout leaders and frequent staff turnover in government structures. High Approval Ratings Linked to Economic Well-Being In December 2024, the Social and Political Research Foundation "Strategy" released a survey showing President Tokayev's approval rating at 80.4%. This marks an increase from December 2023, when the foundation reported a 76.4% approval rating. Other studies corroborate these findings; for instance, the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies found in July 2024 that 77.1% of Kazakhstanis trust the president. Explaining the methodology behind these surveys, Gulmira Ileuova, head of the Strategy Foundation and a member of the advisory public organization, the National Kurultai, told the Times of Central Asia: “The question to respondents is framed as, ‘Do you approve of the activities of the president, parliament, and government?’ Of those surveyed, 80.4% chose ‘I approve/Somewhat approve.’ Additionally, a separate project showed trust in the president at 77%.” Ileuova highlighted that Tokayev has faced numerous social, economic, and political challenges during his tenure. She noted a significant drop in his approval rating during December 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine restrictions were in effect. At that time, his approval rating fell to 40%. However, it rebounded in the subsequent years, reaching its highest level in 2024. By comparison, the government and parliament lag in terms of public support, with approval ratings of 59% and 54%, respectively. Ileuova explained that such gaps between the president’s popularity and that of other branches of government were also characteristic during the presidency of Nursultan Nazarbayev, which ended in 2019. The sustainability of these high ratings, she argued, hinges on the country’s economic performance. Historically, fluctuations in citizens’ well-being have had a direct impact on the approval ratings of political leaders. Criticism and Public Perception Despite the high ratings, Ileuova acknowledged skepticism toward her research. Critics often accuse survey organizations of bias, particularly those who inhabit what she describes as “information bubbles.” “On social media, individuals often focus solely on content that aligns with their negative perception of the president or the country’s overall situation. For example, some claim the government failed to help flood victims. While isolated cases exist, most victims received aid, and houses were built for them. Of course, there are valid reasons for criticism, but there are also many achievements that benefit ordinary people,” she explained. The connection between Tokayev’s approval rating and public living standards is evident. According to Strategy’s December 2024 survey, 29.6% of respondents described their financial situation as “good” or “very good,” while 15% rated theirs as “bad” or “very bad.” The majority - 52.8% - said their family’s financial situation is “average.” The Challenge of Personnel Management Experts point to difficulties in assessing President Tokayev’s personnel policies. While some figures - such as Mazhilis Speaker Yerlan Koshanov, Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev, State Counselor Yerlan Karin, and Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov - maintain steady approval ratings,...

1 year ago

Digitalization

Digital Kazakhstan: Pioneering E-Government and AI Innovations Amid New Challenges

Kazakhstan has solidified its position as a global leader in digital transformation, ranking among the top 25 countries in e-government development and achieving significant milestones in IT innovation. After nearly two decades of digitalization efforts, the country is now aiming to surpass the most advanced nations. The concept of e-government in Kazakhstan was first announced in former President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s address on March 19, 2004. That same year, a program for the establishment of e-government was approved, and the eGov.kz web portal was launched in 2006. Initially, the platform primarily provided informational services. The second phase of e-government (2007–2008) introduced interactive services, allowing citizens to request certificates, submit inquiries to government bodies, and track their progress online. A key milestone was the establishment of Citizen Service Centers on January 5, 2007. Before the digital era, obtaining documents was a lengthy and cumbersome process, plagued by long queues and widespread corruption. In 2024, digitalization in Kazakhstan reached new heights. The government reports that 92% of public services are now provided electronically. Innovations such as biometric identification and QR signatures have simplified access, with over eight million QR code signatures registered and more than 18 million identifications conducted through the Digital ID system this year, according to Kanat Tuleushin, the First Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry (MCRIAP). The modernization of the e-government platform is ongoing, with plans to transition to the third version of eGov. Additionally, IT services from Kazakhstan are now exported to 86 countries, with key markets including Russia, Ireland, Mexico, the United States, and Singapore. A central focus of the government strategy is the development of artificial intelligence (AI). In 2024, a draft law on AI was approved, and a Committee on AI was established to oversee the development of this field in the country. Kazakhstan continues to modernize its e-government platform, with plans to transition to the third version of eGov. The country has also made strides in exporting IT services to 86 countries, including major markets like Russia, Ireland, Mexico, the United States, and Singapore. A key priority for the government is the development of artificial intelligence (AI). In 2024, a draft law on AI was approved, and a dedicated Committee on AI was established to oversee advancements in this area. In the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI), Kazakhstan ranked 24th among 193 countries, climbing four spots since the last assessment. The country also secured a place in the global top 10 of the Online Service Index (OSI), which evaluates the accessibility and quality of government-provided online services. South Korea leads the EGDI rankings, while Kazakhstan outpaces many of its regional neighbors, including Armenia (53rd), Russia (56th), Uzbekistan (59th), Kyrgyzstan (89th), and Turkmenistan (172nd). Kazakhstan’s banking sector has also played a pivotal role in driving digital innovation. Major banks now integrate a wide range of public and business services into their apps. For example, Halyk Bank offers over 60 services, Kaspi.kz provides 40, Bank CenterCredit more than 30, and Freedom...

1 year ago