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Kazakh leader retires but has succession plan in hand

Location:

KAZAKHSTAN

Although the timing of Nazarbayev's announcement was a surprise, a handover has been long expected and a succession plan appears to be in place. Senate speaker Kassym-Jomart…

Early signs of change may wither in Uzbekistan

Location:

UZBEKISTAN

Mirzioyev has spoken about reforms, but the tightly managed choreography of election is the same as under the late Islam Karimov, who died in September. That does not suggest…

New Kyrgyzstan language law will raise Russia tensions

Location:

CENTRAL ASIA

A new language law entered into force on July 18 that reflects the president's determination to promote Kyrgyz. Russia’s foreign ministry has protested. The controversy highlights…

Islamic State's Central Asian growth stalled for now

Location:

CENTRAL ASIA

Thousands of Central Asians travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight for IS and other Islamist groups in 2014 and some are returning home. Despite attacks in Central Asia attributable…

Afghan elite wavers in face of Taliban onslaught

Location:

AFGHANISTAN

The reported offer, made to Taliban negotiators in Qatar, looked like an act of desperation as Ghazni, 130 kilometres south of Kabul, fell to the Taliban, who subsequently took…