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

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.

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

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.

Satellite image shows major spill of water on the Qosh Tepa canal built by the Taliban in northern Afghanistan. (Courtesy photo).

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.

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

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.

Alsu Kurmasheva

RFE/RL Condemns New Charges Against American Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva in Russia

Russian investigators have launched another criminal case against Alsu Kurmasheva, an American journalist with RFE/RL’s Tatar-Bashkir Service.

An accident at the thermal power plant in Ekibastuz, a city of 150,000 people in northeastern Kazakhstan, left parts of the plant flooded.

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…

Alsu Kurmasheva poses with her husband, Pavel Butorin.

Journalists in Trouble: Russian Authorities Bring New Charge Against Alsu Kurmasheva

Alsu Kurmasheva faces new charge; four RFE/RL journalists mark Human Rights Day behind bars; and more.

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

Merchant Protests Shake Kyrgyz Government

The government’s announcement of a new tax regime for local bazaars and markets sparked an unexpected backlash.

Central Asian Leaders Meet To Discuss Russia, Climate Change, And More

The presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan met in Dushanbe on September 14-15 at a time of great uncertainty in Central Asia.

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