Tajikistan
China stepping up military cooperation with Tajikistan
The countries have agreed to systematise defence cooperation.
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.
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."
Russian army shooting suspects identified as nationals of Tajikistan
Media accounts appear to suggest the men had been enlisted in the Russian army against their will.
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.
Was Tajik leader’s rant at Putin defiance or a plea for greater dependence?
Rahmon indicates that he wants more money and attention from Moscow.
HESS: Tajikistan’s President Rahmon demands respect from Russia
Winston Churchill once alluded to Kremlin power struggles as 'bulldogs fighting under a carpet' but the barking was remarkably audible when Tajik President Emomali made a rare and emotional speech calling on Russia for "respect"
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.
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.
Taliban sign deal to buy Russian oil, gas and wheat
Agreement marks regime’s first international economic deal. Moscow eyes economic corridor through Central Asia and Afghanistan to South Asia.
Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan warn citizens not to sign up to fight for Russia in Ukraine
Warnings issued after opening of Moscow military recruitment centre for foreign citizens amid Putin’s announcement of partial mobilisation.
CENTRAL ASIA BLOG: Media risk underplaying significance of Tajikistan’s attack on Kyrgyzstan says academic
Term “border clash” not sufficient for “some of the most violent and consequential” days in the independent history of Central Asia.
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PANNIER: Putin arrived with little to offer an SCO summit that showed no real clout
Disparate interests of organisation’s member nations meant many major issues of the day could not even be discussed. But there was only one dominant member: China.
PANNIER: As Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan descend into another border war, there’s no-one to stop the fighting
Though Russia has offered to mediate, a feeling prevails among some parties that the Kremlin is supportive of Tajik strongman Rahmon.
