Azerbaijan Threatens to Cut Off Military Cooperation With US, NATO

by Joshua Kucera Azerbaijan has threatened to cut off its military cooperation with the West in response to escalating pressure on Baku for its human rights violations. But that threat may ring hollow in light of Azerbaijan’s declining importance for… Continue Reading

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