Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan claims to be mulling end to graft-ridden customs service
But a contentious procurement law in the works has fuelled scepticism about government claims to be fighting corruption.
Ukraine faces one of worst declines in GDP from a war, says EBRD
The contraction in Ukraine’s GDP will be among the worst 10-20% of those in conflicts in the last 200 years, the development bank predicts in its 2022/23 Transition Report.
EBRD warns of risk of 'zombification'
Development bank recommends countries should now gradually dial down help to vulnerable companies, so they can either learn to adapt to the new climate of higher interest rates or exit the market by going into insolvency.
bneGREEN: Scientists conclude ‘Third Pole’ permafrost thaw threatens Tajiks, Kyrgyz living on plateau
Research indicates that a fifth of buildings plus 40% of railways and roads on endangered parts of Himalayan Qinhai-Tibet Plateau are in trouble, driven by climate change.
PANNIER: Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are only talking at each other. Another conflict is looming
As mutual recriminations fly over September’s short war, both Bishkek and Dushanbe are busy equipping their militaries with more arms.
Turkmenistan: Form an orderly pipeline
Turkmenistan is finding new customers for its gas, while continuing to perform bizarre stunts for Guinness World Records. This and more in Eurasianet’s weekly briefing.
PANNIER: Is there a plot for a fourth revolution in Kyrgyzstan since 2005? The authorities say it is so
Amid row over land deal with Uzbekistan, 22 critics of the government are detained. The stage is set for unrest.
Turkmenistan: Bombing at windmills
Turkmenistan is trying to assume the role of energy supplier to Central Asia. Plus, showing off weapons while cash is tight. Eurasianet’s weekly Turkmenistan briefing.
MACRO ADVISORY: Great Game 3.0: The Politics of Rail
Russia and China are the dominant trade and investment partners for Central Asian countries. But their dominance in the region is now being challenged by Turkey and Iran in a return to the "Great Game."
Kazakhstan new home to 50 international firms that opted for Russia exit, 50 more could be on the way
Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and Uzbeks all looking to make the most out of relocations.
Kyrgyzstan asks Russia-led security bloc to deploy peacekeeping troops at border with Tajikistan
"There will be no peace until an arbitrator stands between us," says Kyrgyz defence minister. Tajiks, meanwhile, warn Kremlin security belt must be built around Afghanistan.
Economic damage from Ukraine war pushing households into poverty across Emerging Europe
Unicef research shows the impact has fallen disproportionately on children, with sharp increases in child poverty across Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Too early to call time on the CSTO
More than a military alliance analogous to Nato, the bloc is a political entity. But analysts have never agreed on its exact purpose.
Long arm of Russian state censor attempts removal of Ukraine war articles published by Kazakh, Kyrgyz media
Roskomnadzor targets Russian-language coverage not in line with Kremlin’s official narrative on the conflict.
Putin’s dwindling circle of friends in Emerging Europe
The number of European countries friendly towards Moscow has dwindled to just a handful since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February.
PANNIER: Russia’s two centuries of Central Asia dominance are over
The disastrous Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused a geopolitical tectonic shift. The five ‘stans’ are looking at other foreign partner options.
Kyrgyzstan scraps military drills in latest sign of Russia’s waning influence in Central Asia
Move to cancel CSTO exercises made following border fighting with Tajikistan and with Armenia already angry that military bloc has been ‘missing in action’.
Kyrgyzstan’s president skips Putin, Rahmon 70th birthday celebrations
Sadyr Japarov takes decision not to attend St Petersburg CIS event with anger at home over Tajikistan’s September “invasion” still raw.
Central Asians targeted in Russia’s desperate mobilisation drive
Rights activists insist Central Asian labourers are being conned.
More pain stored up for Emerging Europe in 2023
Government efforts to shield populations from the energy crisis and rampant inflation have shifted the economic impact to next year, says the EBRD as it downgrades GDP growth forecasts for 2023.
