Eurasia / Features
Turkmenistan’s TAPI gas pipeline takes off
Turkmenistan's 1,800km TAPI gas pipeline breaks ground after 30 years with first 14km completed into Afghanistan, aiming to deliver 33bcm annually to Pakistan and India by 2027 despite geopolitical hurdles.
Emerging Europe’s growth holds up but risks loom, says wiiw
Fiscal fragility, weakening industrial demand from Germany, and the prolonged fallout from Russia’s war in Ukraine threaten to undermine growth momentum in parts of the region.
The fall of Azerbaijan's Grey Cardinal
Ramiz Mehdiyev served as Azerbaijan's Presidential Administration head for 24 consecutive years, making him arguably the most powerful unelected official in post-Soviet Azerbaijan until his dramatic fall from grace.
Ambition, access and acceleration – Uzbekistan’s Startup Garage opens free academy for entrepreneurship
Aim is to train 50,000 young founders by 2030.
Iran's capital Tehran showcases new "Virgin Mary" Metro station
Tehran's new Maryam metro station honours Virgin Mary with architecture blending Armenian and Iranian design elements in new push by Islamic Republic
The Asian nations backing the Russian war effort – from India to Taiwan, China to Indonesia
While many Asian nations have quietly distanced themselves from Moscow in a bid to fall into line with US or European allies, several continue to engage with Russia, providing varying degrees of support that help sustain its military campaign.
Taliban visit to India upsets Pakistan, signals New Delhi's changing Afghan posture
Coinciding with the visit, Pakistan conducted military operations inside Afghanistan, followed by airstrikes on multiple border towns. Retaliation against Pakistan's police training facilities and border outposts followed.
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How Central Asia came to love the Chinese electric vehicle invasion
Resistance would be futile – and expensive. The region has flung its doors open to the likes of BYD.
Did Tokayev’s visit to New York indicate any meaningful expansion of Kazakh-American economic ties?
Best not believe the hype.
PANNIER: Quarrelling neighbours – the Taliban and Tajikistan
Sabre-rattling not infrequent, but there just might be signs of easing tensions.
How Azerbaijan's oil prince went from dining with Messi to facing decades in prison
Adnan Ahmadzada is accused of contaminating 200,000 tonnes of his country's oil exports with corrosive chemicals and facilitating billions in Russian sanctions evasion.
EU’s influence declines in its neighbourhood as China and Russia gain ground
Chinese presence growing in Western Balkans, while Russia makes gains in Turkey, shows new index developed by wiiw, Bertelsmann Stiftung and ECIPE.
EBRD says geopolitics, tariffs and China competition weigh on Emerging Europe growth
Development bank downgrades 2025 forecasts for Central and Eastern Europe citing weak external demand, rising debt and the impact of US tariffs.
Uzbekistan probing export options
Tashkent is finding there’s no easy path to the sea.
Trump eyes Bagram return, with China in his sights
In the years it was operational, 14 nations operated at, or through Bagram. In addition to the US, these included UK forces and elements from France, Germany, South Korea and more.
$23bn windfall for Kazakhstan as Beijing shifts up a gear on New Silk Road
Resource-rich Central Asian country emerges as a standout destination for Chinese investment.
US cancels Chabahar port sanctions exemption in blow to India's regional strategy
US terminates Iran Chabahar port sanctions waiver from September 29, jeopardising India's strategic trade operations and regional connectivity initiatives through the key facility.
“Yuri Gagarin” cosmodrome seeking a future in space – and tourism
Golden age of spaceport is long over, with Moscow focused on facilities in Russia. Kazakhstan, however, hopes it can find profitable niche in launching satellites.
Iranian arrested for Kalashnikov shooting near Caspian Sea
Iranian authorities arrest driver who opened fire with Kalashnikov rifle during road dispute on busy Chalous highway connecting Tehran to Caspian coast.
Local elections loom in Georgia
Georgia’s October 4 municipal elections are already mired in controversy amid a partial opposition boycott and mounting state repression, as major international observers refuse to participate.