'Beast Of The East' Appears To Have Lost Its Teeth 

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has sought to promote itself as a "rising beast in the East" and an Asian counter to NATO. But for all the experience under its belt, the SCO -- which formally gathers Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan -- is looking less formidable than usual. More

Taliban Threat -- Real Or Useful Fear Mongering? 

As Central Asian leaders have increasingly sounded the alarm of the security threat posed by foreign militants, a familiar name has entered the argument -- the Taliban. Is the threat of the Taliban real, or merely fear mongering? More

'Sinatra Of The East' Celebrates 70th Birthday 

Karel Gott, the Czech pop-music icon whose legions of fans continue to adore him in much of Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and Germany, is marking his 70th birthday with a very Gott-like gala event billed as the "concert of the century." More

Israel And Islam 

As U.S. President Barack Obama delivered his much-awaited speech to the Muslim world, many were listening keenly to hear his thoughts on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Is that conflict so central to U.S.-Muslim relations and peace in the Muslim world? More

Central Asia's Rulers Follow Familiar Recipe For Longevity 

Central Asians are used to seeing pictures of their presidents everywhere -- from bus stops and trolleybus windshields to roadside billboards and office walls. Kazakhstan is currently erecting an extravagant monument to President Nursultan Nazarbaev, while Tajik officials routinely refer to their leader, Emomali Rahmon, as "His Excellency." Has the presidential personality cult become an integral part of political culture in Central Asia? More