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2020-01-17

| Human Rights

2019: a year of intensifying anti-Chinese sentiment in Kazakhstan

2019: a year of intensifying anti-Chinese sentiment in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's population is not ready to view China as a friendly country, several events last year suggest.

Poll

What is the primary reason for increased US-Iranian tensions?

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Russian incursions in eastern Syria hinder fight against 'Islamic State'

2020-01-16

| Security
Russian incursions in eastern Syria hinder fight against 'Islamic State'

The presence of Russian troops in the area is providing IS elements with the ability to move around, secure logistical supplies and carry out sporadic terrorist attacks.
Kyrgyzstan eyes stricter oversight of financial remittances

2020-01-15

| Security
Kyrgyzstan eyes stricter oversight of financial remittances

The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan wants more information about the senders of financial remittances as part of ongoing efforts against money laundering and terror financing.
Tehran's timid response to Soleimani killing underscores regime's fragility

2020-01-14

| Security
Tehran's timid response to Soleimani killing underscores regime's fragility

The need for Iranian leaders to go to such lengths to exaggerate the regime's capabilities and the timidity of the military's 'terrible vengeance' have exposed major cracks in the facade.

Spotlight

Kremlin narrative of alleged IS threat to Central Asia debunked

The so-called 'Islamic State' threat is merely a way for Russia to solidify its military presence in the region, say Central Asian observers.
Kremlin narrative of alleged IS threat to Central Asia debunked
Kremlin narrative of alleged IS threat to Central Asia debunked

2020-01-13

| Security
Kremlin narrative of alleged IS threat to Central Asia debunked

The so-called 'Islamic State' threat is merely a way for Russia to solidify its military presence in the region, say Central Asian observers.
'Death to the dictator': angry protesters in Iran demand end to the regime

2020-01-13

| Human Rights
'Death to the dictator': angry protesters in Iran demand end to the regime

Videos posted on social media showed thousands of demonstrators calling for the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military leaders to step down.
Tehran stonewalls amid mounting evidence it shot down Ukrainian airliner

2020-01-10

| Security
Tehran stonewalls amid mounting evidence it shot down Ukrainian airliner

Videos, photos and circumstantial evidence clearly suggest the plane was struck by a surface-to-air missile, but Iranian officials continue to deny the possibility.
US donates vehicles to Tajik Defence Ministry for mountain operations

2020-01-10

| Security
US donates vehicles to Tajik Defence Ministry for mountain operations

The vehicles will enable Tajikistan's mobile forces to operate in a wide variety of terrain, said the US embassy.
US-Kazakh Open Skies Agreement paves way for closer ties

2020-01-09

| Diplomacy
US-Kazakh Open Skies Agreement paves way for closer ties

Unlimited flights between Kazakhstan and the United States, as well as many other advantages provided by the signed agreement, will promote tourism and trade.
Tensions ease after Iran’s retaliation on US military fails to inflict casualties

2020-01-08

| Security
Tensions ease after Iran’s retaliation on US military fails to inflict casualties

Leaders described Tehran's missile attacks as dangerous and urged dialogue to prevent further escalation.
Russia, China refuse to condemn Iranian attack on US embassy in Baghdad

2020-01-07

| Security
Russia, China refuse to condemn Iranian attack on US embassy in Baghdad

All member nations had repeated their long-standing concerns about Iran's destabilising activities in the Middle East, said NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg.
Kazakhstan's efforts to teach religious literacy reach tens of thousands

2020-01-07

| Religion
Kazakhstan's efforts to teach religious literacy reach tens of thousands

Kazakh clergy engaged 120,000 citizens in anti-extremism programmes in 2019, according to the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (DUMK).
Tajik, US officials discuss co-operation on Afghanistan, terrorism

2020-01-07

| Diplomacy
Tajik, US officials discuss co-operation on Afghanistan, terrorism

The talks also covered the issues of extremism, radicalisation, drug trafficking and the peace process in Afghanistan.
Iran abandons nuclear commitments as European powers back United States

2020-01-06

| Security
Iran abandons nuclear commitments as European powers back United States

Britain, France and Germany are backing the United States in its growing confrontation with Tehran, as new details have emerged about Gen. Qasem Soleimani's plots to kill Americans.
Russian scaremongering over IS draws ire of Turkmen border officials

2020-01-06

| Security
Russian scaremongering over IS draws ire of Turkmen border officials

Turkmenistan is perfectly capable of protecting its borders from any IS terrorists seeking to cross the border from Afghanistan, say officials.
Killing of top militant commander sends stark warning to Tehran

2020-01-03

| Security
Killing of top militant commander sends stark warning to Tehran

Despite repeated warnings, Iran and its proxies have launched numerous attacks against US personnel and its allies for nearly a year. The attack on the US embassy was the last straw.
Uzbek soldiers win training awards in US as militaries continue to bolster ties

2020-01-03

| Security
Uzbek soldiers win training awards in US as militaries continue to bolster ties

The joint exercises and friendly competitions highlight what Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted last year -- a new era of strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the United States.
Tajik president signs law on countering extremism

2020-01-03

| Terrorism
Tajik president signs law on countering extremism

President Emomali Rahmon in 2018 called for a new law to update Tajikistan's strategy.
2019: the year of increasing disillusionment toward Russia in Central Asia

2020-01-02

| Security
2019: the year of increasing disillusionment toward Russia in Central Asia

Formerly timid criticism of the former colonial power is becoming louder in the region, while governments in the region are taking concrete steps to separate themselves from Moscow.
New IS leader remains shrouded in mystery

2020-01-01

| Analysis
New IS leader remains shrouded in mystery

If Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's successor is to avoid an internal leadership challenge, he will be forced to step out of the shadows, say analysts.
Kazakhs look to new year after historic 2019

2019-12-31

| Society
Kazakhs look to new year after historic 2019

A historic year included the resignation of the only leader whom independent Kazakhstan had ever known.
Over 200,000 civilians flee 'indiscriminate' Russian bombardment in Syria

2019-12-30

| Security
Over 200,000 civilians flee 'indiscriminate' Russian bombardment in Syria

The United Nations said more than 80% of those who have fled Russian and Syrian bombings are women and children, who are particularly vulnerable because of the freezing weather.
Key security events affected Central Asia in 2019

2019-12-27

| Security
Key security events affected Central Asia in 2019

Central Asian governments are joining efforts in strengthening border security, fighting terrorism and increasing regional co-operation.
'Anti-corruption cafe' feeds a movement in Bishkek

2019-12-26

| Society
'Anti-corruption cafe' feeds a movement in Bishkek

Members of the UMUT 2020 movement want the government to take real measures to root out corruption.
IS scrambles to recoup key funding streams following series of defeats

2019-12-25

| Economy
IS scrambles to recoup key funding streams following series of defeats

Deprived of its previous sources of revenue, including oil smuggling, the 'Islamic State' is struggling to find alternative means to raise money.

Spotlight

Kremlin narrative of alleged IS threat to Central Asia debunked
Kremlin narrative of alleged IS threat to Central Asia debunked

The so-called 'Islamic State' threat is merely a way for Russia to solidify its military presence in the region, say Central Asian observers.

Poll

What is the primary reason for increased US-Iranian tensions?

View Results