Caravanserai

How the Kremlin employs an 'ecosystem' of disinformation and propaganda

2020-08-07

Moscow uses a combination of official channels, state-run media outlets, proxy websites, the weaponisation of social media, and hackers to create a multiplier effect for its disinformation.

Deadly blast in Beirut tied to troubled, Russian-leased ship

Business

2020-08-07

Deadly blast in Beirut tied to troubled, Russian-leased ship

Because of financial and diplomatic disputes, the ship was abandoned by a Russian businessman, and workers moved its lethal cargo to a dockside warehouse in Beirut.

EU-Turkmen pipeline talks continue amid pushback from Russia, Iran

Energy

2020-08-06

EU-Turkmen pipeline talks continue amid pushback from Russia, Iran

The Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline (TCGP) project remains a key part of the European Union's energy security strategy, but Moscow and Tehran have repeatedly tried to torpedo it.

Work begins on cleanup of Soviet-era Kyrgyz uranium waste sites

Environment

2020-08-05

Work begins on cleanup of Soviet-era Kyrgyz uranium waste sites

The Soviets abandoned several such sites in Central Asia, bequeathing radioactive, toxic waste that endangers public health and the environment.

Uighur scholars vanish in China amid Beijing's bid to 'extinguish' ethnic identity

Human Rights

2020-08-04

Uighur scholars vanish in China amid Beijing's bid to 'extinguish' ethnic identity

The rounding up of linguists, scholars and publishers is seen as a move by the Chinese government to erase the ethnic group's identity and assimilate it into the Mandarin-speaking Han majority.

Human Rights

2020-08-03

Pandemic aggravates human-rights abuses, domestic violence in Central Asia

More vulnerable residents are at risk as governments focus on combatting the coronavirus outbreak.

How helpful has China been to Central Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Spotlight

How the Kremlin employs an 'ecosystem' of disinformation and propaganda

Moscow uses a combination of official channels, state-run media outlets, proxy websites, the weaponisation of social media, and hackers to create a multiplier effect for its disinformation.

Russia faces labour exodus as Central Asian migrants lose jobs, head elsewhere

Human Rights

2020-07-31

Russia faces labour exodus as Central Asian migrants lose jobs, head elsewhere

Migrants in Russia were nearly twice as likely to lose their jobs as local residents amid the pandemic, reveals new research.

Russian mercenaries arrested in Belarus for plotting to destablise country

Security

2020-07-30

Russian mercenaries arrested in Belarus for plotting to destablise country

Central Asia looks on warily as another country deemed of interest to the Kremlin -- and one that doesn't follow Putin's orders -- falls victim to Russian hybrid warfare.

Ceasefire declared in Afghanistan as long awaited peace talks on horizon

Security

2020-07-29

Ceasefire declared in Afghanistan as long awaited peace talks on horizon

A potential peace deal between the Afghan government and the Taliban would have far reaching consequences for the region and beyond.

25 million infected? Dubious COVID-19 numbers stoke panic in Iran

Health

2020-07-28

25 million infected? Dubious COVID-19 numbers stoke panic in Iran

Of the country's 80 million citizens, 25 million have been infected, with 30-35 million more facing infection in the future, according to elevated claims announced by President Hassan Rouhani.

In photos: Kyrgyz battle worsening COVID-19 pandemic

Health

2020-07-27

In photos: Kyrgyz battle worsening COVID-19 pandemic

Poor quality test kits, disinformation, and a shortage of hospitals and medical personnel are worsening the crisis in Kyrgyzstan.

New imagery shows Russian military supplying Wagner Group in Libya

Security

2020-07-27

New imagery shows Russian military supplying Wagner Group in Libya

The satellite photos show Russian military cargo aircraft, air defence equipment, and mine-resistant, ambush-protected armoured vehicles being supplied to Wagner mercenaries.

Russian, Chinese disinformation stirs pandemic panic in Kazakhstan

Media

2020-07-24

Russian, Chinese disinformation stirs pandemic panic in Kazakhstan

The two regimes are ganging up on their shared neighbour Kazakhstan by spreading unfounded allegations -- and people are dying as a result.

Russia's hypocrisy on display with anti-satellite weapon test

Security

2020-07-24

Russia's hypocrisy on display with anti-satellite weapon test

US and UK officials say the test highlights Moscow's hypocritical advocacy of outer space arms control and threatens the peaceful use of space.

EU allocates €3 million to fight COVID-19 in Central Asia

Health

2020-07-24

EU allocates €3 million to fight COVID-19 in Central Asia

Two million Kazakhs will receive testing for the coronavirus infection, and more than 5,000 healthcare workers will undergo training.

Radio programme reveals extent of Turkmen oppression by Iranian regime

Human Rights

2020-07-23

Radio programme reveals extent of Turkmen oppression by Iranian regime

A recent report detailed how Iranian authorities are systematically violating the rights of ethnic Turkmens in Iran, and trying to erase the group's identity and past.

China has become 'safe haven for cyber criminals'

Technology

2020-07-23

China has become 'safe haven for cyber criminals'

The charge comes after two Chinese nationals were indicted for trying to steal COVID-19 vaccine research and intellectual property, among a number of other cyber related crimes.

Kazakh military adapts to realities of COVID-19 pandemic

Health

2020-07-22

Kazakh military adapts to realities of COVID-19 pandemic

Amid the pandemic and quarantine, the army has revised combat training and is performing disinfection procedures, while military doctors are helping their civilian counterparts treat patients.

China harnesses forced labour in Xinjiang to manufacture PPE for world export

Human Rights

2020-07-21

China harnesses forced labour in Xinjiang to manufacture PPE for world export

Beijing is making massive profits by selling personal protection equipment, such as masks, to countries hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic -- and is forcing Muslim minorities to do the work.

UK 'absolutely confident' Russian intelligence behind COVID-19 vaccine hack

Health

2020-07-21

UK 'absolutely confident' Russian intelligence behind COVID-19 vaccine hack

Britain, the United States and Canada have accused a hacking group linked to Russian intelligence of seeking to steal virus research.

Central Asian journalists doubt claims of Russian colleague's 'treason'

Media

2020-07-20

Central Asian journalists doubt claims of Russian colleague's 'treason'

The Kremlin's oppression of independent-minded reporters is a time-honoured tradition, and the most recent arrest of Ivan Safronov on trumped-up charges is just the latest example.

Alarm grows over threat posed by Chinese regime to world community

Analysis

2020-07-17

Alarm grows over threat posed by Chinese regime to world community

Beijing is becoming increasingly aggressive in territorial rows, and is using disinformation campaigns, bribery, blackmail, intellectual property theft and espionage to try to gain an upper hand.

Recruitment of Uzbeks into extremist groups may be seeing 'final days'

Terrorism

2020-07-16

Recruitment of Uzbeks into extremist groups may be seeing 'final days'

Following a series of major arrests in Uzbekistan and a rapid decline in power of extremist groups in Syria, many observers say the failed idea of the so-called 'caliphate' is finally setting in.

Pressure mounts on China as ICC receives dossier on Xinjiang 'genocide'

Human Rights

2020-07-15

Pressure mounts on China as ICC receives dossier on Xinjiang 'genocide'

Evidence from over the past ten years points to a state-run programme involving forced labour, mass detention and involuntary birth control of Muslims in Xinjiang.

Verified photos show Wagner Group's indiscriminate laying of mines in Libya

Security

2020-07-15

Verified photos show Wagner Group's indiscriminate laying of mines in Libya

Moscow's bid to take over Libya via its mercenary army has become an increasing embarrassment to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kazakhstan's annual gun buy-back campaign collects more than 100 weapons so far

Terrorism

2020-07-14

Kazakhstan's annual gun buy-back campaign collects more than 100 weapons so far

This year's campaign is taking place online because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Kremlin stoked homophobia to boost Putin's referendum turnout

Politics

2020-07-13

The Kremlin stoked homophobia to boost Putin's referendum turnout

Russian authorities used fear to drum up support for constitutional amendments that included a reset of term limits for President Vladimir Putin.

Political stagnation looms as Putin cements his rule as 'president for life'

Politics

2020-07-10

Political stagnation looms as Putin cements his rule as 'president for life'

By pushing back the crucial question of who could someday replace him, Vladimir Putin risks era of stagnation similar to 'period zastoya' that precipitated the end of the Soviet Union.