Eurasia / News
_Cropped_1660163460.jpg)
US charges Iran operative with plotting to kill former Trump hawk John Bolton
Justice officials say it was probable that Shahram Poursafi was attempting to avenge US killing of Iranian ‘Shadow Commander’ Qasem Soleimani.
Envoy says start made on construction of Turkish attack drone factory in Ukraine
Kremlin responds that plant would obviously be target for its missiles.
End of Vienna talks means US, Iran political approvals now needed to revive nuclear deal
And there’s no guarantee they will be forthcoming.
Boris Johnson’s half-brother to sue Mongolia for $50mn in a mining investment dispute
The half-brother of ousted UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he will bring a $50mn lawsuit against Mongolia to try to recover an investment into a mining project that went horribly wrong.
Analysts say Kremlin’s launch of Iranian satellite may be leverage move to obtain drones
World’s most sanctioned nations Russia and Iran have lately struck deals in areas including aviation, transit, food commodities and oil and gas.
Fighting resumes in Nagorno-Karabakh
Russian peacekeepers blame Azerbaijan for violating the ceasefire.
Social media post on Russian ex-president’s account calls Kazakhstan and Georgia ‘artificial creations’
Aide claims Dmitry Medvedev was hacked. Text said territories of the two ex-Soviet states must be returned to Russia.
_2_1659484738.jpg)
Afghanistan pays electricity debts to Uzbekistan but still owes Tajikistan
Both have long-duration electricity supply agreements signed before the Taliban returned to power.
Kyrgyzstan: Where have all the dollars gone?
The cause of the problem may lie in Russians hoovering up all the available greenbacks.
Mongolian ministers under fire for failing to quickly explain appearance of Russian armed forces on city streets
Former Mongolian PM criticises own party for lack of transparency about upcoming joint military exercise.
Drought damage to European grain harvest piles on top of Ukraine war impact
Extreme heat and droughts across several European countries have led to forecasts for this year’s harvests being reduced.
Uzbekistan: Electricity grid strained by heat
Demand has surged as the population turns to air conditioners and refrigeration equipment to keep cool.
_1658862012.jpg)
Kazakhstan reportedly boosting defence spending amid ‘Russian ambition’ jitters
Ex-Soviet state also said to be strengthening ties with China and Nato nations.
Uzbekistan: Karimova wins asset seizure reprieve in Switzerland
The ruling may give Karimova access to $303mn in frozen funds.
Report exposes continued prevalence of forced labour in Turkmen cotton industry
At the same time, cotton products from Turkmenistan still make their way to Western markets despite supposed bans.
_1658447904.jpg)
Central Asia leaders' meeting fizzles as Tajiks, Turkmens refuse to sign treaty
The gathering had been intended to create regional solidarity in the face of overbearing pressure from China, Russia.
Kyrgyzstan heatwave spells power problems for Central Asia
Country’s main hydropower reservoir is being depleted rather than filled for the winter ahead.
Azerbaijan starts post-war resettlement in Karabakh
The first 10 families moved this week into a designated “smart village” in territory Azerbaijan retook during the 2020 war with Armenia.
Putin finds a sympathetic ear in Tehran
Russian leader meets with Iranian and Turkish presidents during rare trip abroad. Analysts watching for any outcomes that could boost Kremlin amid its war in Ukraine.
IEA chief warns Europe its gas efforts won’t be enough even as Brussels inks deal with Azerbaijan
Immediate efforts to cut demand vital, says Fatih Birol, as prospect of EU running out of gas reserves in winter looms.
