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Three Years With The Taliban As Neighbors

Nearly three years have passed since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, to the dismay of much of the world.

Nearly three years have passed since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, to the dismay of much of the world. While the Central Asian states were among the countries that didn’t welcome the return of the Taliban, most of them took a different approach to the Afghan militant group than they did when the Taliban first ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s. Trade has grown steadily between Central Asia and Afghanistan since August 2021, and Central Asian officials meet regularly with Taliban representatives to discuss cooperation on major projects. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the Taliban’s new relations with its northern neighbors are guests Qadir Habib, director of RFERL’s Radio Azadi; Pahlavon Turgunov, managing editor at RFERL’s Uzbek Service; and Farruh Yusupov, director of RFERL’s Turkmen Service.

Majlis podcast

Latest Episodes

In this biweekly podcast, host Bruce Pannier welcomes expert guests to discuss significant political developments and pressing social issues affecting the nations of Central Asia.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Violence Against Women Increasing in Central Asia

This year’s edition of the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign got under way on November 25.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

What Do Central Asians Think About China?

China’s presence in Central Asia has been growing for 30 years. China is now a leading trade and security partner, foreign investor, and source of everyday goods available in markets…

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

No Safe Haven In Europe For Central Asian Opposition

Tajik opposition activist Dilmurod Ergashev arrived in Tajikistan on November 7, after he was deported from Germany, where he had been seeking asylum since 2011.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Diving Deep Into Tajikistan’s Armed Forces

The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs just released a detailed report on military and security forces in Tajikistan.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Central Asia Pushes Back On Russian Critiques

Russian officials and celebrities have become increasingly critical of the countries and peoples of Central Asia since the Kremlin launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022 — and…

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Kazakhstan’s Controversial Nuclear Power Vote

Kazakhs will vote on October 6 in a national referendum to authorize construction of a nuclear power plant.

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

Russia’s Power Play In Central Asia

Russia’s longtime influence in Central Asia seemed to fade after the launch of its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022, as other countries pursued stronger relations with Central Asian…

An image of the logo for the Majlis Podcast, which focus on Central Asian issues

The Racialization Of Central Asians In Russia

Racialization is the process of viewing a specific people with preconceived notions about them. In Russia, non-Russians — particularly people from Asia or the South Caucasus — have long been…

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