Turkmenistan
Putin pushes Central Asia for North-South trade corridor steps, analyst notes Kremlin’s “Turkic bloc” anxiety
To Moscow, “the fact that the Turks are united is alarming,” he says.
PANNIER: Few will mourn passing of Turkmen Iron Lady Atajanova and Uzbek Grey Cardinal Jurabekov
Their deaths seem to have been conveniently overlooked for the most part by the authorities of today.
Putin calls for Central Asia to boost trade with Russia
With Moscow preoccupied by Ukraine, China has raced ahead in building up commerce and investment with the region. Other powers are also looking for bigger pieces of the pie.
Putin arrives in Tajikistan for meetings with Central Asia, CIS leaders
Calls made for Tajiks to arrest Russian leader under international court warrant, but Dushanbe remains strategic ally of Kremlin.
China-Iran rail link slashes transit time to 17 days, official says
A new rail route through Central Asia has reduced freight transit time between China and Iran to 17 days, with car parts following in record time.
EBRD says geopolitics, tariffs and China competition weigh on Emerging Europe growth
Development bank downgrades 2025 forecasts for Central and Eastern Europe citing weak external demand, rising debt and the impact of US tariffs.
Uzbekistan probing export options
Tashkent is finding there’s no easy path to the sea.
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Photoshopping of three Central Asian presidents exposed by media investigation
Seemingly perfect postures, pearly white smiles, smooth skin and luxurious grey hair among flawless features subject to spot-the-difference analysis.
Washington has “surrendered” in the Central Asia battle for influence, says ex-ambassador
Russia and China now dominate narrative across region, Daniel N. Rosenblum tells students at Yale. If US cuts itself off from the world, “we will ultimately be less secure and less prosperous,” he warns.
“They are bankrupting hope in this country” – Imamoglu issues warning ahead of fateful day for Turkish democracy
“I’m so free in my 12-square-metre cell that it would make those in their palaces burst with envy,” he says ahead of big protest in Ankara.
Central Asia, India see untapped trade potential but face connectivity hurdles
Joint report by Eurasian Development Bank and India Exim Bank reveals significant potential for mutual trade and investment held back by logistical bottlenecks.
COMMENT: Need and loathing in Russia – unpacking the labour migration paradox
Central Asian guest workers face growing hardship.
Kazakhstan calls for urgent international action on rapid shallowing of Caspian Sea
Could plan to connect the Caspian and Black Seas with a tunnel or canal come to the fore?
Central Asia and Afghanistan heading for “confrontation” over water-thirsty canal, warns analyst
Minimal progress seen in dealing with rightful Taliban claim to share of Amu Darya border river. Region’s water security dilemma worsening.
Tajikistan’s glaciers are disappearing
Tajikistan’s glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate, with over 1,000 already gone completely and dozens more under threat, according to a new Atlas of Environmental Change published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Snowfall shortages destabilising some of world’s last resilient glaciers, expedition in Tajikistan shows
Scientific team unable to yet say whether the “water towers” have reached “point of no return”.
PANNIER: Uzbekistan, the population power of Central Asia
In around 10 years, country could boast as many as 50mn inhabitants. By the end of 2026, it could already overtake Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan combined for people.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is coming of age
More than two and half decades after it was founded as a regional security organization to secure porous borders in the depths of Central Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is coming of age as it expands its reach and agenda.
Migrants in Moscow spooked by government order to download geolocation app by Sept 1
“Amina” surveillance will inform interior ministry of guest workers’ exact whereabouts.
World Bank seems to be having second thoughts about Tajikistan’s Rogun Dam
Ball now in Dushanbe’s court to justify high cost.