Search RFE/RL

A crowd looms during the night of unrest and violence against Pakistani students in Bishkek on May 18, 2024.

Central Asia in Focus: Many Problems Surround Bishkek Violence on May 17-18

In this week’s edition: South Asian students in Bishkek are targeted during a night of violence, Kazakh flood victims are frustrated with the state’s slow response, and more.

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

Clamping Down On Religious Freedom In Central Asia

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) just released its annual report on freedom of religion in the world.

Kateryna Yesypenko and Aleh Hruzdzilovich at RFE/RL’s World Press Freedom Day reception in Washington D.C. on April 25, 2024.

Journalists in Trouble: President Biden Calls for Alsu Kurmasheva’s Release

President Biden calls for Alsu Kurmasheva’s release; RFE/RL hosts World Press Freedom Day reception with families of imprisoned journalists; and more.

An image of Dauren Abaev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Russia since 2023.

Central Asia in Focus: The Kazakh Venue for Peace Talks

In this week’s edition: Almaty will host upcoming talks between the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are both planning to build nuclear power plants, and more.

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

British Foreign Secretary Cameron Visits Central Asia

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron just completed an official trip to all five Central Asian states.

Image of a woman walking through a dust storm blowing through Dushanbe, Tajikistan from September 30, 2016

Central Asia in Focus: Kazakhstan’s Lower House Passes Controversial Draft Media Law

In this week’s edition: Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament passed a controversial draft media law, massive dust storms are hitting Central Asia, and more.

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

Are Tajik Government Policies Helping Create Terrorists?

Can an authoritarian government’s policies contribute to its citizens becoming terrorists?

Three images: on the left, a man with a blurred face stands in a destroyed dormitory hallway. In the middle, a line of men stand holding each others' shoulders from behind stands in the street; a pair of men appear to be approaching from behind. The rightmost image depicts another part of the hall from the first image, but one of the doors are opened to expose a broken hole that runs almost the length and width of the door.

Central Asia in Focus: Central Asians Targeted in Russia

In this week’s edition: Central Asians are being targeted in Russia, Kyrgyzstan’s President explains the need for a “foreign representatives” law, and more.

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

Tajiks In Russia Living In Fear After Moscow Terrorist Attack

Russian security forces arrested several Tajik citizens in the wake of the March 22 attack on the Crocus City Hall outside Moscow that left more than 140 dead.

Subscribe to Our Newsletters

Stay informed with uncensored news and stories from RFE/RL.