Central Asia
Scientists decode ancient script that has puzzled scholars for 70 years
The decipherment of the mysterious writing system, which was in use from around 200 B.C. and 700 A.D., has revealed a previously unknown language.
China winning new central Asia foothold, edging U.S. out of Russian bastion
"The Central Asian countries have made up their mind...that the fate of the region is in the hands of Russia and China," Niva Yau tells Newsweek.
U.S. and Russia tussle for "neutrals" with dueling visits
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Central Asia as Russia's Ukraine invasion shakes Moscow's traditional dominance in the region.
Putin confronted by frustrated Tajik president demanding respect: Video
Tajikistan, which declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, has demanded that Russia treat it with more respect than it currently does.
The U.S. Still Has Leverage Over the Taliban
Ever since al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in a U.S. drone strike in his last hideout in an upscale neighborhood of Kabul, it has become clear that the United States needs a mechanism for managing a Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.
Afghanistan Can't Catch a Break
Could U.S. aid indirectly lessen the burden on Taliban officials? Most likely. But punishing the Afghan people for the sins of their rulers was never going to be a better alternative.
Origins of Plague that Wiped Out Half of Eurasia Discovered: Study
Scientists say they have discovered the origins of the Black Death in the Tian Shan mountains of Central Asia.
The Grande Armée of Kabul
Whatever the purpose for Afghanistan's "grand army," it will face a set of challenges that insurgent commanders did not deal with while fighting an insurgency.
Kazakhstan Crisis Not as Bad as Many Think
This latest crisis should be enough to steer the White House toward a strategic approach to Kazakhstan and not let the U.S.' competitors dominate the heart of Eurasia.
Where Are the Women in Kazakhstan's Protests?
The presence—or absence—of women in mass protests tells us a lot about the state of gender relations in a country.
Kazakhs: 1, Experts: 0
How the shock uprising in Central Asia again demonstrates that politics isn't a science.
A New U.S. Policy Toward the Taliban
Rather than isolating the Taliban government in perpetuity, U.S. officials should be explicit during their conversations with Taliban ministers.
For the U.S., There Was No Goldilocks Option in Afghanistan
The sustainable stalemate is a myth, nothing more and nothing less.
A Cruel and Unjust Peace for Afghanistan
Violence will not work and has never proven a lasting Afghan answer.
Turkey's Role in Afghanistan
Turkey continues its efforts to gain the support of Europe, the United States and NATO for a greater political and security presence in Afghanistan.
Biden, Putin and the Value of Diplomacy
If results are to be found during the Biden-Putin chat, they will likely happen at the margins and far away from the big, irreconcilable disputes that continue to hobble bilateral ties.
Kazakhstan is Committed to Democratization and Political Reforms
Kazakhstan is truly committed to democratization and political reforms, which means we remain a trusted partner for the United States, the European Union and the wider international community.
How Pakistan Killed Its Own Digital Dreams
The year 2020 posed a significant challenge to the dream of a Digital Pakistan, and that is not entirely because of the global pandemic.
Will Biden Make the Right Choice on Afghanistan?
If the president is genuinely committed to closing the book on a two decade-long misadventure in Afghanistan, he needs to resist the temptation of accepting the same, old advice.
Lasting Peace in Afghanistan Must be Afghan Led
For peace to be successful Afghanistan must lead, rather than blame.
The U.S. Must Remain Engaged with Central Asia
The people of Uzbekistan, as do the American people, want to live in a world where our families are safe.
What Crucial Central Asian Elections Mean for Biden's Eurasian Policy
The dual elections in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan offer crucial insights for Biden's approach toward to those critical neighbors of Russia—and vital corridors for China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.
One Nation Banned The Word 'Coronavirus' to Suppress Pandemic Information
"The Turkmen authorities have lived up to their reputation by adopting this extreme method for eradicating all information about the coronavirus," Reporters Without Borders' Jeanne Cavelier said.
Video Shows Turkmen Leader Defy Death Rumors with Wild Summer Vacation
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was seen riding bicycles and horses, rocking out with instruments, lifting weights, bowling, firing rifles and driving donuts around the Gates of Hell.
Sixty Foreigners Arrested in Moscow for ISIS Recruiting
The police found three laboratories producing forged documents, seals and stamps to help people cross borders illegally.
Taliban Launches Offensive Using Night-Vision Goggles
Insurgents for the group overran three checkpoints in night raids on Tuesday.
Kazakhstan Is Changing Its Alphabet After 80 Years
Kazakhstan was one of the last countries to keep the controversial alphabet ordered by Russia.
ISIS, Taliban Killed Thousands Civilians Last Year
But the total number of civilian casualties actually decreased in 2017, the U.N. said.
British Teen Accessed U.S. Middle East Intel Ops
The teenager persuaded call handlers at an internet company that he was John Brennan.
Where Will ISIS Be in 2018? Iran Says Central Asia Next
Iran said ISIS will next focus on Central Asia, but it still has sway in parts of the Caucasus, the Gulf, North and sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.