Tajikistan Accuses Iran of Assassination Campaign in Foreign Policy Gambit

by Eurasianet Despite the close cultural connection that Tajikistan has with Iran, Dushanbe seems intent on burning all its diplomatic bridges with Tehran. In a remarkably hostile gesture, Tajik state television in early August aired a sensationalist, 45-minute documentary produced… Continue Reading

Kazakhstan: Space for Civil Society Shrinking?

by Joanna Lillis First, there was a media report hinting at shadowy links between foreign-funded charities and terrorism in Kazakhstan. Then, the taxman came knocking. The tax inspections served as a prelude to legal action against two non-governmental organizations (NGOs)… Continue Reading

Russia Talking with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Over Military Deployment to Syria

by Joshua Kucera Russia is in talks with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan about sending troops to Syria, senior Russian and Turkish official have said. “Negotiations are now going on, a process is being worked out so that Russian military police can… Continue Reading

White House Proposes Slashing US Programs in Caucasus, Central Asia

by Joshua Kucera When Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili visited Washington in early May and met with United States President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and other senior officials, it was billed as a reaffirmation of the US’s… Continue Reading