Vladimir Rozanskij

First economic forum between the European Union and the countries of the region. Six agreements signed. Focus on "green" economy. Technological collaboration also launched. Strong activism by Hungary. Kazakh and Kyrgyz coordinate their policies towards the EU.

President Mirziyoyev has adopted a more permissive policy toward Islam. Taliban influence from neighboring Afghanistan. The government favors religious radicalization, even if it arrests some extremists for demonstration purposes.

In the coming days the "Turkish Council", which gathers Ankara and the post-Soviet republics of Central Asia, will meet. Erdogan wants to turn it into a "Turkish Union". Kyrgyz wooed with commercial promises and combat drones. Moscow's irritation.

The pro-Russian party in power has won 19 out of 20 mayoral elections. Opponents of the National Movement denounce fraud. Former president Saakashvili continues his hunger strike in prison: without his return from exile in Ukraine the opponents would have taken even fewer votes.

Nuriddin Kholiknazarov has the qualities to heal the country's divisions. A figure of interest to societies throughout Central Asia. He is supported by Uzbek President Mirziyoyev. A moderate believer who opposes Taliban fanaticism.

In the most recent episode, ethnic Kazakh and Uyghur youths clashed on the border with China. The authorities down play the incident, but the division between the various nationalities is growing. Recently, there have also been fights between Kazakhs and the Dungan minority. The majority group supports the concept of "Kazakh sovereignty".

New pandemic wave hits the country. The population, especially the Orthodox clergy, shows a general resistance to vaccination. Public demonstrations are forbidden, including religious processions. At least 231,000 dead since the outbreak of the health emergency.

The closure of the integration process between the two countries could be halted. The Russians blame their neighbours for the migration crisis. Before covering Belarus' debts, Putin wants the ouster of Lukašenko.

Victory a foregone conclusion: main opponents excluded from running. The 'ally' presidents of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan congratulate the Uzbek head of state. In the last five years the economic situation in the country has improved, less so the human rights situation.

The two young women were found and returned to their families. They fled to escape the condition of submission imposed by their relatives. Tatar women are freer than Caucasian women, given in marriage at 16-17 and denied access to an education.

They are protesting the sale of the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul. In 2017, the archbishopric won partial restitution of the complex. Curia accused of wanting to sell the adjoining buildings to pay its debts and not i norder to buy the historic place of worship.

Awarded for his "courage in the struggle for freedom, democracy and human rights." Collaborator of the imprisoned dissident: "This was really the year of Aleksej". Kremlin on the attack: "A political award, which confirms how Naval'nyj is a pawn in a global anti-Russia plan".