Central Asia
Kazakh Service
In a propaganda-filled media environment, Radio Azattyq offers informed and accurate reporting that exposes corruption and counters Chinese and Russian disinformation.
Central Asia: Not Russia’s Backyard But Still Russia’s Neighbor
It has been more than 30 years since the five Central Asian states became independent, yet the term “Russia’s backyard” is often still used by some people.
Central Asia’s Rising Global Profile And How That Affects Governance At Home
Central Asia has never enjoyed so much international attention as it has since Russia launched its full-scale war on Ukraine.
Central Asia in Focus: Is the Taliban’s Controversial Canal Leaking Water?
In this week’s edition: is the Taliban’s controversial canal leaking water? Plus a Kyrgyz Kurultai turns into a cult fest for President Japarov, and more.
Punishing Reporting: Bloggers Under Pressure In Mirziyoev’s Uzbekistan
Since Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev came to power in late 2016, he has often exhorted journalists to draw attention to corruption.
Central Asia in Focus: Another Winter of Energy Discontent in Kazakhstan?
In this week’s edition: will Kazakstan experience another winter of energy discontent? Plus an ethnic Karakalpak is stripped of Kazakh citizenship, and a discussion of recent protests in Kyrgyzstan against…
Merchant Protests Shake Kyrgyz Government
The government’s announcement of a new tax regime for local bazaars and markets sparked an unexpected backlash.
Central Asia in Focus: Kazakhstan Imprisons Citizen Who Fought in Ukraine
In this week’s edition: Kazakhstan imprisons a citizen who fought in Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan join the Global Methane Pledge, Rosatom is moving on its Uzbek Contract, and more. Thanks…
Meeting Development Goals For Central Asia’s Persons With Disabilities
December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Kyrgyz Service
Radio Azattyk is an award-winning, multimedia source of independent news in both Kyrgyz and Russian.