Protests

2022-09-23

'I don't want to die': Exodus from Russia as citizens flee Putin's mobilization

Countless Russians are fleeing the country as fears are growing over Putin's call for broader mobilization. Embarrassing setbacks in Ukraine have demoralized the shrinking Russian army.

Analysis

2022-09-23

Diverging interests scuttle attempts to make SCO an anti-Western bloc

Russia's failings in Ukraine, the growing independence of Central Asian states, and distrust of China are only a few of the reasons why the much hyped conference floundered.

Human Rights

2022-09-22

Backlash to Mirziyoyev's criticism of Soviets reveals Russia's territorial ambitions

Russian media and lawmakers saw the Uzbek president's comments about Soviet-era repression as a sign of 'disloyalty' amid the Kremlin's ongoing pivot towards rebuilding the Soviet empire.

Security

2022-09-21

Panicked Putin orders partial mobilisation amid plans for 'sham' referenda

As Russian troops flee in the face of a Ukrainian counteroffensive, the Kremlin plans to send 300,000 reservists to the front and conduct phony referenda in preparation for annexation.

Security

2022-09-20

'A wolf's promise': Xi's warning to Putin over Kazakhstan creates deep unease

While distrustful about Russian influence, Kazakhs are equally wary of China. 'When escaping from an aggressive bear, we ought not rush into the jaws of a Chinese dragon,' one analyst warned.

Analysis

2022-09-19

Russia's turn to low-quality Iranian, North Korean weapons shows desperation

Sanctions and increasing international isolation have led Russia to try to buy weapons from rogue countries in an attempt to compensate for huge losses and setbacks in Ukraine.

Human Rights

2022-09-19

Torture haunts survivors of Russia's occupation as mass graves exhumed in Izyum

Bodies floating down rivers, torture chambers, and children buried hastily in the forest are just a few of the harrowing stories emerging from liberated territories in Ukraine.

Security

2022-09-16

Military debacle in Ukraine sends Russian mercenaries, propagandists into hysterics

Unthinkable just a month ago, some of the Kremlin's most ardent supporters are now publicly criticising Russian leaders, while a video shows a Putin crony actively recruiting prisoners.

Security

2022-09-16

Myth of powerful Russian army crumbles on live TV

Ukraine's successful counter-offensive in Kharkiv province has exposed what many thought impossible: that the Russian military could be defeated.

Media

2022-09-15

Kyrgyz remain sceptical of China despite years of Beijing influence efforts

After two decades of Beijing inserting pro-China content within local media, engaging on social media and spending lavishly, the Kyrgyz people are still wary of their eastern neighbour.

Environment

2022-09-14

EBRD to manage cleanup of 2 ex-Soviet uranium mines in Uzbekistan

Since 2015, the EBRD has been tackling the damage wrought by Soviet uranium mining in Central Asia.

Diplomacy

2022-09-14

Xi, Putin take advantage of Central Asia visit to push authoritarian agendas

Statements out of Beijing and Moscow touting 'common security' and 'just world order' contrast greatly with the military aggression and human rights abuses both regimes espouse.

Education

2022-09-13

A textbook for every student: Uzbekistan, USAID bolster English learning

English is the language of modern business, international relations and new knowledge, and it must be bolstered, say Uzbek educators.

Security

2022-09-12

Ukrainian guerrillas wreak havoc on Russian occupiers' plans

Ukrainian insurgents are destroying ammunition depots, blowing up bridges, engaging in psychological operations and playing an increasingly prominent role in the war.

Security

2022-09-12

Russian troops flee in panic as Ukraine reclaims swathes of territory

Ukraine's surprise offensive caught the Russian military off-guard, compelling many Russian soldiers to abandon their positions and weapons, and flee in disguise.

Politics

2022-09-09

Russian 'adaptation' centres for migrants seen as brainwashing project

Putin's proposal for Central Asian migrants who want to work in Russia is in reality a vehicle to propagate Kremlin ideology and lure the vulnerable into military conflicts, analysts warn.

Security

2022-09-08

In latest Russian aggression, disinformation halts Kazakh military exports

As Russia continues to pressure Kazakhstan, the country is preparing for possible military threats, information and propaganda activities, and cyberattacks.

Analysis

2022-09-07

Kremlin offers 'aid' to Ukrainians it forcibly displaced

'In reality, all Moscow delivers is death, loss and destruction,' said one observer.

Security

2022-09-06

Russia-China alliance on full display as Vostok-2022 military drills wind down

As Russia continues to suffer heavy losses in troops and equipment in Ukraine, the drills offer an image of strength and closer ties with China.

Media

2022-09-06

Russia revokes licences of Novaya Gazeta, jails ex-reporter for 'treason'

The actions mark Moscow's latest moves against the media and journalists.

Media

2022-09-05

China making inroads, building influence through media manipulation

Controlling the narrative on China is a strategic priority for Beijing as it seeks to build up its political, military and economic influence in the Middle East, Central Asia and beyond, research shows.

Security

2022-09-02

China's territorial disputes threaten global peace, commerce

From the South China Sea to Central Asia, Beijing's quest to expand its geopolitical and military influence poses a direct threat to world peace and the future of international commerce.

Human Rights

2022-09-01

China responsible for litany of rights abuses in Xinjiang: UN report

Beijing has committed 'serious human rights violations' and 'crimes against humanity' in its arbitrary detention of Uighurs and members of other Muslim minority groups, the UN found.

Politics

2022-09-01

To shed colonial past, Uzbekistan must implement state language law: observers

The law, which takes effect September 8, stipulates that advertising must be prominently in Uzbek with other languages in smaller text, as part of the shift away from the Russian language.