Turkmenistan
Kazakh president’s pet project gets boost from China
China-Central Asia Monitor: June 5-11, 2026.
Nearly 100 Turkmens deported from Turkey interrogated at Ashgabat airport, says report
Turkmenistan’s rulers appear to be using growing cooperation with Ankara to target opposition groups in-exile.
US officials avid in commitment to Central Asia critical minerals at Astana meeting
Trump special envoy to region says deals will be "win-win". Russia, meanwhile, is not amused.
From oil wells to code: can Central Asia become the world's next technology hub?
For most of the post-Soviet era, Central Asia's economic story was written in commodities. Now technology is starting to challenge that stereotype.
New Pakistan-Iran road routes and Central Asian trade
A Eurasianet partner post from the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst.
The world's record heatwaves - Statista
According to NASA, there is “unequivocal evidence that Earth is warming at an unprecedented rate”, Statista reports.
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Turkmenistan doesn’t like Elon Musk
Ashgabat takes steps to neutralise Starlink use.
Central Asia to turn mineral wealth into strategic influence
Central Asia is moving to convert its vast reserves of critical minerals into economic and geopolitical leverage as governments seek to position the region at the centre of global supply chains increasingly shaped by geopoliitcal competition.
Middle East conflict and energy shock slow growth across EBRD regions
Bank warns higher energy costs are reigniting inflation, weakening industrial competitiveness and straining already fragile public finances
Rubio backs Trans-Caspian gas pipeline proposal in meeting with Turkmenistan’s top diplomat
Infrastructure could boost European energy security, though Russia could move to block it.
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Kremlin wants “full partnership” with Afghan Taliban, military-technical deal signed
Russia is the only country in the world to formally recognise Afghanistan’s rulers, though Central Asia is slowly but surely building relations.
CENTRAL ASIA BLOG: Water “insecurities” are rumbling under the surface of regional diplomacy
Kyrgyzstan wants more infrastructure maintenance funds. Afghanistan is preparing to divert river flows for irrigation. Disagreements could mount.
The return of the Silk Road as the “C6”, a key geopolitical link between Europe and Asia
There is a map that used to hang in the offices of Soviet central planners in Moscow, showing the five republics of Central Asia as a single administrative unit with all roads pointing to Moscow. Today the arrows point in all directions at once.
Russia irked by US, EU moves to secure Central Asia critical minerals
Kremlin official talks of “attempt to push Russia out and create a Western-controlled infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of our borders".
Kazakhstan’s railway company to start its own Caspian fleet to boost Middle Corridor
China-Central Asia Monitor: April 30 - May 7, 2026.
Why Afghanistan dreams of opening up Wakhan Corridor, the mountain valley that connects three worlds
Likely once trodden by Alexander the Great and Marco Polo, its potential is fascinating.
Kazakhstan rejects idea of Turkic states military alliance
Tokayev reins in any such ambitions at OTS summit attended by Turkey’s Erdogan. At same time, wants to turn Kazakh armed forces into “high-tech fist”.
Systemic forced labour use in Turkmen cotton harvest has worsened, says report
Children among those forced into backbreaking labour. Filmed evidence for review gathered at "great risk".
Central Asia lagging in AI diffusion – report
Adoption rates, however, are among highest in Asia.
Central Asian states adapt to irreversible Aral Sea disaster, official says
IFAS chairman says efforts to restore the sea must move on to tackling environmental, agriculture and health care fallout.