PANNIER: Central Asia’s population is growing, but its water resources are rapidly shrinking

The data can no longer be ignored. Demand and supply no longer add up. Severity of situation needs treating with some urgency.

Training of “Tajik Taliban” suicide bombers shows threat to Central Asia from Afghanistan is growing, say analysts

Ranks of Jamaat Ansarullah movement based near border with Tajikistan said to be swelling.

COP28: All the climate crisis warning lights flashing red – in charts and maps

The great and good have assembled in UAE’s capital of Dubai for the COP28 conference to hash out a plan to avert the looming environmental disaster, but its probably too late.

Turkey equipping Moscow’s war machine, data shows

While Ankara records show “dual-use” goods going to Central Asia and Caucasus, trade registry discrepancies across region indicate items actually go to Russia.

Uzbekistan’s president urges UN Central Asia summit to “not leave Afghanistan alone with its problems”

Calls for more regional cooperation in address to United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).

INTERVIEW: Eurasian Development Bank brings Central Asia together with sustainable green investments

Central Asia is once again the “navel of the world” as overland trade between Asia and Europe takes off.

EBRD survey reveals surprising surge in life satisfaction in Emerging Europe

In the last seven years, Emerging Europe has grappled with pandemic, war and a cost of living crisis. So why did people get happier?

Deported Kyrgyz investigative reporter says sources warning of threat to “physical integrity”

Bolot Temirov, living in a secret location in Europe, places copies of obtained sensitive data in a virtual safe managed by Forbidden Stories NGO so other journalists can take up his work if he is killed or incapacitated.

Iran to sign free trade agreement with Eurasian Economic Union in 2 months

INTERVIEW: Green transition must be a just transition, says EBRD chief economist

EBRD research shows majority in transition countries believe climate change will severely affect the children of today, but fewer people are willing to pay to address the climate emergency.

SDS storms fed by sand and dust equal in weight to 350 Great Pyramids of Giza, says UNCCD

Sometimes known as the sirocco, haboob, yellow dust, white storm or harmattan, the phenomenon that engulfs everything in its path can be a costly disaster.

Kyrgyz police accused of nicking imported cars from citizens at customs

One frustrated buyer says: “How do I know that that car is mine? Well, I still have the remote control for it. Look, I press the button, and I unlock the car. Can you imagine?”

PANNIER: Piece by piece, Japarov is dismantling Kyrgyzstan’s celebrated independent media

Authorities resort to all kinds of spurious claims. In one shocking episode, police escort journalist from the courtroom to the airport and put him on a plane for Russia.

Central Asia land degradation data demonstrates rapid advance of crisis worldwide says UNCCD

Data shows that in region an area almost four times the size of Kyrgyzstan is degraded.

UK engagement with Central Asia “lacks seriousness” says report by British MPs

Overcoming the “inadequate” approach is “a geopolitical imperative” amid great power competition, while a crackdown is needed on London enabling region’s corrupt elites, it adds.

Kyrgyzstan: The rise and fall of a sex webcam magnate

Daniel Azhiyev came to prominence during the COVID-19 crisis, when his philanthropy made him something of a minor folk hero.

Kyrgyzstan: Billions spent on preventing revolutions, says security services chief

GKNB chief Tashiyev was himself ushered to power by means of a wave of public unrest.

Central Asian leaders travel to China to pay homage to Xi’s BRI vision

Ten years on are investments bringing desired returns?

Kyrgyzstan: Security services declare all-out war on criminal underworld

A wave of arrests, asset seizures, and political ties unveiled in a nationwide crackdown.

Cautious hopes mounting for Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan border deal

At present, around one-third of the border remains undefined.