Politics

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  Politics

  2020-11-20

  Kyrgyzstan forced to contend with Russian, Chinese pressure in run up to elections

  Economically and politically vulnerable, Kyrgyzstan faces enormous pressure from Moscow and Beijing as it tries to transfer power legitimately through democratic elections.

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  Politics

  2020-11-18

  After losing sway in Kyrgyzstan, Russia blames 'foreign pressure' for political upheaval

  Political changes in former Soviet republics, including the October revolution in Kyrgyzstan, are angering the Kremlin and putting Russian President Vladimir Putin on the defensive.

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  Politics

  2020-11-13

  Moscow grows frustrated as Bishkek refuses to follow Russian instructions

  Experts say the abrupt cooling in relations between Moscow and Bishkek is linked to how Kyrgyz authorities have disrupted the Kremlin's plans, acting contrary to Russia's dictates.

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  Politics

  2020-11-12

  Turkmenistan ratifies security co-operation agreement under Russian pressure

  Moscow seized on a difficult time for Ashgabat in order to ratify the document, and the implications of the development are concerning, local analysts warn.

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  Politics

  2020-11-10

  Kazakh president orders deeper look into transition from Cyrillic alphabet

  Since 2017, Kazakhstan has been planning to switch to a Latin alphabet by 2025. Now officials are looking into multiple options to achieve that goal.

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  Politics

  2020-11-04

  Moscow gives new Kyrgyz leader cold shoulder with millions at stake

  The Kremlin rebuffed moves by Japarov to discuss closer ties even as it seeks to expand its military presence in Kyrgyzstan and dangles $100 million in aid as a reward for political stability.

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  Politics

  2020-10-30

  Russia seen using financial pressure to tighten control over Kyrgyzstan

  Moscow is taking advantage of the political and economic crisis in Kyrgyzstan to expand its control in a range of strategic areas.

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  Politics

  2020-10-29

  Uzbekistan accelerates transition to Latin alphabet

  The move by Uzbekistan and other Central Asian nations to shift to Latin script stems partially from efforts to shed Russian influence and to develop a stronger national identity.

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  Politics

  2020-09-10

  Navalny poisoning spurs hope for political awakening in Russia

  Some voters vowed to support the opposition figure's movement in local elections September 13, as mounting evidence indicates the Kremlin in his attempted assassination.

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  Politics

  2020-08-20

  COVID-19 crisis has empowered Beijing to expand interests in Central Asia

  Behind the veneer of promises of co-operation and assistance, observers see Beijing's moves in the region as only serving its geopolitical and economic goals.