Eurasia / Features
“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.
Central Asia, India see untapped trade potential but face connectivity hurdles
Joint report by Eurasian Development Bank and India Exim Bank reveals significant potential for mutual trade and investment held back by logistical bottlenecks.
INTERVIEW: Kazakhstan repositions as a diversified investment destination
Kazakhstan is doubling down on its drive to attract high-quality foreign investment, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alibek Kuantyrov in an interview with bne IntelliNews.
Stumbling blocks hinder plan to build Trans-Afghan Railway connecting Uzbekistan to Pakistani seaports
Security risks, financing challenges, difficult terrain and lack of recognition for Taliban among headaches.
PANNIER: Tensions creep into rebuilt Tashkent-Bishkek relations as Uzbek border guards shoot dead two Kyrgyz men
What's known indicates victims were gathering medicinal herb unaware they had strayed across frontier.
Central Asia and Afghanistan heading for “confrontation” over water-thirsty canal, warns analyst
Minimal progress seen in dealing with rightful Taliban claim to share of Amu Darya border river. Region’s water security dilemma worsening.
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.
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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.
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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.