Eurasia / Features
PANNIER: Uzbekistan, the population power of Central Asia
In around 10 years, country could boast as many as 50mn inhabitants. By the end of 2026, it could already overtake Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan combined for people.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is coming of age
More than two and half decades after it was founded as a regional security organization to secure porous borders in the depths of Central Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is coming of age as it expands its reach and agenda.
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Acquisitive arm of Turkish regime takes over ammunition maker Assan
Gulenism and espionage charges cited. TMSF now manages 858 companies.
_Cropped_1756449356.jpg)
Murder-suicide attempt in Tajikistan draws attention to domestic violence, mental health issues
US funding cuts make it harder to close gaps.
World Bank seems to be having second thoughts about Tajikistan’s Rogun Dam
Ball now in Dushanbe’s court to justify high cost.
_Cropped_1756210594.jpg)
Turkey breaks ground on its section of the TRIPP rail corridor
Turkish project would help make TRIPP the go-to route for Middle Corridor freight.
Boost for event tourism as J.Lo concert showcases Tashkent’s ability to put on world-class entertainment
State coffers, meanwhile, get $3mn tax boost.
Does Donald Trump deserve a Nobel Peace Prize?
After the White House dubbed Donald Trump the "president for peace", bne IntelliNews contributors assess how much substance there is behind the international diplomatic triumphs claimed by his administration.
PANNIER: Testing time for exiled Tajik opposition as "reformers" announce breakaway party
Reformers Movement to take on Islamic Renaissance Party in battle to win right to lead fight against strongman Rahmon.
INTERVIEW: Azerbaijan looks to substantial peace dividends from Armenia deal
Azerbaijan’s ambassador to the UK Elin Suleymanov outlines the benefits to Azerbaijan, Armenia and the broader region from the August 8 Washington summit.
The silent crisis: Abortion and reproductive rights in Turkmenistan
Turkmen women today are worse off than their grandmothers.
Kazakhstan reviews its big oil contracts looking for a better deal
COMMENT: Kazakhstan is reviewing its big oil contracts Kazakhstan has begun laying the groundwork for a revision of the contracts it signed with big oil in the 1990s when the country was flat on its back.
Russia-Azerbaijan crisis continues to deepen
The diplomatic crisis between Russia and Azerbaijan has expanded into cultural warfare, with Moscow dismissing a senior TASS executive for attending an Azerbaijani event.
Only two bidders left in the auction for HSBC’s Maltese operations
The auction for HSBC’s Maltese operations has attracted more interest than first expected with the number of bidders rising to five at its peak. However, three have dropped out and only Bank of Georgia and Armenia’s Ardshinbank remain in the race
Kazakhstan’s big-hearted poster girl of philanthropy jailed as perfect villain who even cheated stricken people of Gaza
Perizat Kairat turned out to be an embezzler funding a jet-setting lifestyle.
EXPLAINER: The high stakes behind the Zangezur Corridor
Proposed corridor linking Azerbaijan’s main territory with its Nakhchivan exclave across Armenia could slash transit times from Asia to Europe along the Middle Corridor but faces fierce opposition from Yerevan.
PANNIER: Stakes in fight against terrorism raised as Uzbekistan discovers ISKP cell led by teenage woman
Suspect in custody allegedly radicalised at Islamic school in Turkey. Development is disturbing for authorities.
Fleet-cannibalised Russian aviation can only look on as Central Asia carriers take over regional market segments
Moscow has even considered asking Kazakhstan to run some of its domestic flight connections.
IMF lauds Uzbek reform efforts
Tashkent’s biggest upcoming challenge is easing the state’s grip on the economy.
_and_Russian_Dep_Pm_Alexey_Overchuk_140725_1752524933.jpg)
Russian aid agency seeking to fill USAID gaps in former Soviet Union
Imperial attitudes undermine ambitions for expanded influence.