https://www.rferl.org/z/19887 In this biweekly podcast, host Bruce Pannier welcomes expert guests to discuss significant political developments and pressing social issues affecting the nations of Central Asia. In this biweekly podcast, host Bruce Pannier welcomes expert guests to discuss significant political developments and pressing social issues affecting the nations of Central Asia. false en Copyright 2026 - RFE/RL, Inc. 60 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:15:18 +0200 Pangea CMS – RFE/RL RFE/RL Rferl.org kaisa.k.alliksaar@gmail.com episodic A lot has changed in Central Asia in the more than three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The region’s giant neighbors -- Russia and China -- have played and will no doubt continue to play large roles in Central Asia. However, the Central Asian states have strengthened relations, economic partnerships, and export routes with other countries since February 2022, loosening, to some extent, the grip Russia and China have had over Central Asia. How much have the Central Asian states used this period to further consolidate their independence and sovereignty -- both in foreign policy and economic terms? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this process are guests Nargis Kassenova, a senior fellow and director of the Program on Central Asia at Harvard University’s Davis Center; Bakyt Beshimov, a former member of Kyrgyzstan’s parliament and former Kyrgyz ambassador to the OSCE and India who now teaches at Northeastern University in Boston; and Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-russian-chinese-influence-central-asia/33423647.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-russian-chinese-influence-central-asia/33423647.html Sun, 25 May 2025 12:55:00 +0200 Bruce Pannier A lot has changed in Central Asia in the more than three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The region’s giant neighbors -- Russia and China -- have played and will no doubt continue to play large roles in Central Asia. However, the Central Asian states have strengthened relations, economic partnerships, and export routes with other countries since February 2022, loosening, to some extent, the grip Russia and China have had over Central Asia. How much have the Central Asian states used this period to further consolidate their independence and sovereignty -- both in foreign policy and economic terms? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this process are guests Nargis Kassenova, a senior fellow and director of the Program on Central Asia at Harvard University’s Davis Center; Bakyt Beshimov, a former member of Kyrgyzstan’s parliament and former Kyrgyz ambassador to the OSCE and India who now teaches at Northeastern University in Boston; and Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin. 01:00:07 ImpactStories full Top EU officials visited Central Asia for the first-ever EU-Central Asian summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Joining host Bruce Pannier are Terhi Hakala, a diplomat from Finland and Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, director of the European Neighborhood Council. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-eu-central-asia-pannier/33390703.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-eu-central-asia-pannier/33390703.html Sun, 20 Apr 2025 14:11:28 +0200 RFE/RL Top EU officials visited Central Asia for the first-ever EU-Central Asian summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Joining host Bruce Pannier are Terhi Hakala, a diplomat from Finland and Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, director of the European Neighborhood Council. 00:45:02 full The Caspian Sea is home to many unique marine species and other wildlife. The Caspian Sea Basin is also rich in oil and natural gas. The development of these lucrative hydrocarbon resources is having an adverse effect on the indigenous plant life, and some species are at risk of extinction. At the same time, water levels in the Caspian Sea are dropping, and it is particularly noticeable in the shallow northern section where Kazakhstan’s Caspian ports are located. To look at the ecological challenges and efforts to find an acceptable biological and business balance in the Caspian Sea, host Bruce Pannier is joined by two guests from Kazakhstan: Vadim Ni, a lawyer, environmental activist, and founder of the Save the Caspian Sea movement; and Tatyana Sedova, an expert in extractive industries governance, civic participation and capacity building, who has worked with organizations such as the World Bank and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-caspian-sea-ecology-oil-gas-environment-wildlife/33356646.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-caspian-sea-ecology-oil-gas-environment-wildlife/33356646.html Sun, 23 Mar 2025 15:49:55 +0100 Bruce Pannier The Caspian Sea is home to many unique marine species and other wildlife. The Caspian Sea Basin is also rich in oil and natural gas. The development of these lucrative hydrocarbon resources is having an adverse effect on the indigenous plant life, and some species are at risk of extinction. At the same time, water levels in the Caspian Sea are dropping, and it is particularly noticeable in the shallow northern section where Kazakhstan’s Caspian ports are located. To look at the ecological challenges and efforts to find an acceptable biological and business balance in the Caspian Sea, host Bruce Pannier is joined by two guests from Kazakhstan: Vadim Ni, a lawyer, environmental activist, and founder of the Save the Caspian Sea movement; and Tatyana Sedova, an expert in extractive industries governance, civic participation and capacity building, who has worked with organizations such as the World Bank and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. 00:41:06 full Tajikistan has been acknowledged by Freedom House as one of the worst human rights violators for years, but 2025 has seen Tajik authorities take repression to new levels. Eight former government officials and political opposition figures were convicted at a closed-door trial of plotting a coup and given lengthy prison sentences. In addition, a journalist was convicted of treason for reporting on Tajik citizens’ opinions on Chinese influence in their country, and the OSCE said it would not observe Tajikistan’s March 2 parliamentary elections because Tajik authorities failed to give assurances of accreditation. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss events in Tajikistan in early 2025 are guests Muhamadjon Kabirov, editor at Azda.tv, a media outlet run by exile Tajik journalists; Edward Lemon, the president of the Washington-based Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs; and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer who is currently an associate professor at the University of Southern California. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-despotism/33324939.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-despotism/33324939.html Sun, 23 Feb 2025 14:35:54 +0100 Bruce Pannier Tajikistan has been acknowledged by Freedom House as one of the worst human rights violators for years, but 2025 has seen Tajik authorities take repression to new levels. Eight former government officials and political opposition figures were convicted at a closed-door trial of plotting a coup and given lengthy prison sentences. In addition, a journalist was convicted of treason for reporting on Tajik citizens’ opinions on Chinese influence in their country, and the OSCE said it would not observe Tajikistan’s March 2 parliamentary elections because Tajik authorities failed to give assurances of accreditation. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss events in Tajikistan in early 2025 are guests Muhamadjon Kabirov, editor at Azda.tv, a media outlet run by exile Tajik journalists; Edward Lemon, the president of the Washington-based Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs; and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer who is currently an associate professor at the University of Southern California. 00:50:49 full Human Rights Watch (HRW) just released its annual report about the human rights situation around the world https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2025. The report points to a deterioration in rights in Central Asia in such areas as civil society, freedom of media, the judicial process, the rights of minority groups and vulnerable segments of the population, and more. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the report are Syinat Sultanalieva, HRW’s researcher covering Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and Hugh Williamson, HRW’s director for Europe and Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-human-rights-central-asia/33289315.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-human-rights-central-asia/33289315.html Sun, 26 Jan 2025 12:14:36 +0100 Bruce Pannier Human Rights Watch (HRW) just released its annual report about the human rights situation around the world https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2025. The report points to a deterioration in rights in Central Asia in such areas as civil society, freedom of media, the judicial process, the rights of minority groups and vulnerable segments of the population, and more. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the report are Syinat Sultanalieva, HRW’s researcher covering Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and Hugh Williamson, HRW’s director for Europe and Central Asia. 00:44:30 full We know what U.S. policy for Central Asia was when Donald Trump was president the first time. But the region has changed significantly in the four years since. U.S. forces are no longer in Afghanistan, the relationships between Central Asia’s governments and Russia have shifted since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, trade routes have expanded, and there are new issues like energy resources and access to critical minerals. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss U.S.-Central Asian ties under the second Trump administration are guests Bakyt Beshimov, a former member of Kyrgyzstan’s parliament and former Kyrgyz ambassador to the OSCE and to India who now teaches at Northeastern University in Boston; Richard Hoagland of the Washington-based Caspian Policy Center, who previously served as U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan and charge d’affaires to Turkmenistan; and Eric Rudenshiold, also of the Washington-based Caspian Policy Center, who served as director for Central Asia in the National Security Council under both Trump and President Joe Biden. https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-majlis-pannier-trump-central-asia/33248968.html https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-majlis-pannier-trump-central-asia/33248968.html Sun, 22 Dec 2024 11:05:08 +0100 RFE/RL We know what U.S. policy for Central Asia was when Donald Trump was president the first time. But the region has changed significantly in the four years since. U.S. forces are no longer in Afghanistan, the relationships between Central Asia’s governments and Russia have shifted since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, trade routes have expanded, and there are new issues like energy resources and access to critical minerals. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss U.S.-Central Asian ties under the second Trump administration are guests Bakyt Beshimov, a former member of Kyrgyzstan’s parliament and former Kyrgyz ambassador to the OSCE and to India who now teaches at Northeastern University in Boston; Richard Hoagland of the Washington-based Caspian Policy Center, who previously served as U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan and charge d’affaires to Turkmenistan; and Eric Rudenshiold, also of the Washington-based Caspian Policy Center, who served as director for Central Asia in the National Security Council under both Trump and President Joe Biden. 00:43:23 full This year’s edition of the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign got under way on November 25. While Central Asian authorities acknowledge that gender-based violence (GBV) has been a problem for years, a trio of studies on gender-related killings about to be published by UN Women Europe and Central Asia is expected to show the problem is getting worse. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these questions are guests Khalida Azhigulova, a Kazakhstan-based lawyer and international consultant on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse; and contributors to the UN studies Svetlana Dzardanova, human rights and corruption researcher at Freedom for Eurasia, currently located in Kyrgyzstan; and Niginakhon Saida, a researcher, educator, and freelance journalist from Uzbekistan specializing in Islam, education, and gender issues in Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-gender-violence-central-asia/33231219.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-gender-violence-central-asia/33231219.html Sun, 08 Dec 2024 11:50:05 +0100 Bruce Pannier This year’s edition of the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign got under way on November 25. While Central Asian authorities acknowledge that gender-based violence (GBV) has been a problem for years, a trio of studies on gender-related killings about to be published by UN Women Europe and Central Asia is expected to show the problem is getting worse. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these questions are guests Khalida Azhigulova, a Kazakhstan-based lawyer and international consultant on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse; and contributors to the UN studies Svetlana Dzardanova, human rights and corruption researcher at Freedom for Eurasia, currently located in Kyrgyzstan; and Niginakhon Saida, a researcher, educator, and freelance journalist from Uzbekistan specializing in Islam, education, and gender issues in Central Asia. 00:55:54 full China’s presence in Central Asia has been growing for 30 years. China is now a leading trade and security partner, foreign investor, and source of everyday goods available in markets and bazaars across Central Asia. The Central Asia Barometer recently released the results of a survey conducted over the course of several years that analyzes the opinions of Central Asian citizens toward various spheres of interaction with China, including the presence of Chinese workers in Central Asia. The results are surprisingly positive. Joining host Bruce Pannier are Kasiet Ysmanova, director of the Central Asia Barometer and a survey research practitioner based in Bishkek; Frank Maracchione, a postdoctoral research associate at the School of Politics and International Relations, University of Kent, working on Sinophobia in the Global South; and Irna Hofman, a rural sociologist specializing in social and agrarian change in Central Asia who has followed China's presence in rural Tajikistan ethnographically for some 15 years. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-china/33213969.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-china/33213969.html Sun, 24 Nov 2024 12:17:19 +0100 RFE/RL China’s presence in Central Asia has been growing for 30 years. China is now a leading trade and security partner, foreign investor, and source of everyday goods available in markets and bazaars across Central Asia. The Central Asia Barometer recently released the results of a survey conducted over the course of several years that analyzes the opinions of Central Asian citizens toward various spheres of interaction with China, including the presence of Chinese workers in Central Asia. The results are surprisingly positive. Joining host Bruce Pannier are Kasiet Ysmanova, director of the Central Asia Barometer and a survey research practitioner based in Bishkek; Frank Maracchione, a postdoctoral research associate at the School of Politics and International Relations, University of Kent, working on Sinophobia in the Global South; and Irna Hofman, a rural sociologist specializing in social and agrarian change in Central Asia who has followed China's presence in rural Tajikistan ethnographically for some 15 years. 00:52:51 full Tajik opposition activist Dilmurod Ergashev arrived in Tajikistan on November 7, after he was deported from Germany, where he had been seeking asylum since 2011. Ergashev was immediately arrested on his return by Tajik authorities; he hasn't been heard from since. Ergashev is one of several Central Asian opposition activists sent back to their homelands; dozens more continue to pursue asylum claims in Europe. Why, despite knowing the repressive tendencies of Central Asian governments and being party to international agreements against “refoulement,” do some European countries still deport people to countries where returnees are routinely imprisoned? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this are Leila Seiitbek, a lawyer and chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia, and Hugh Williamson, the Europe and Central Asia director for Human Rights Watch. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-central-asia-opposition/33196741.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-central-asia-opposition/33196741.html Sun, 10 Nov 2024 11:06:31 +0100 RFE/RL Tajik opposition activist Dilmurod Ergashev arrived in Tajikistan on November 7, after he was deported from Germany, where he had been seeking asylum since 2011. Ergashev was immediately arrested on his return by Tajik authorities; he hasn't been heard from since. Ergashev is one of several Central Asian opposition activists sent back to their homelands; dozens more continue to pursue asylum claims in Europe. Why, despite knowing the repressive tendencies of Central Asian governments and being party to international agreements against “refoulement,” do some European countries still deport people to countries where returnees are routinely imprisoned? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this are Leila Seiitbek, a lawyer and chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia, and Hugh Williamson, the Europe and Central Asia director for Human Rights Watch. 00:51:47 full The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs just released a detailed report on military and security forces in Tajikistan. The comprehensive work examines the 30-year history of the Tajik defense forces, their mission and composition, how they are deployed, and the role of foreign countries in training and equipping Tajik forces. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the report are two of its authors: Michael Hilliard, the host of the Redline podcast, which deals with military and security matters around the world; and Derek Bisaccio, Forecast International’s lead analyst for international defense markets, specializing in the defense trade in Eurasia and the Middle East. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-oxus-military-forces-report/33175119.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-oxus-military-forces-report/33175119.html Sun, 27 Oct 2024 10:58:31 +0100 Bruce Pannier The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs just released a detailed report on military and security forces in Tajikistan. The comprehensive work examines the 30-year history of the Tajik defense forces, their mission and composition, how they are deployed, and the role of foreign countries in training and equipping Tajik forces. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the report are two of its authors: Michael Hilliard, the host of the Redline podcast, which deals with military and security matters around the world; and Derek Bisaccio, Forecast International’s lead analyst for international defense markets, specializing in the defense trade in Eurasia and the Middle East. 00:43:43 full Russian officials and celebrities have become increasingly critical of the countries and peoples of Central Asia since the Kremlin launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022 -- and patience is wearing thin in the region. Central Asians are pushing back against Russian lecturing, racist comments, and mistreatment of migrant laborers. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss Central Asia’s sharp responses to Russia’s unwanted advice and strict rules for migrants are Edward Lemon, president of the Washington-based Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, and Fran Olmos, a senior researcher in Central Asian affairs at Spain’s GEOPOL 21 Center and research fellow at the London-based Foreign Policy Center. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-central-asia-russia-critiques/33156897.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-central-asia-russia-critiques/33156897.html Sun, 13 Oct 2024 10:09:52 +0200 Bruce Pannier Russian officials and celebrities have become increasingly critical of the countries and peoples of Central Asia since the Kremlin launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022 -- and patience is wearing thin in the region. Central Asians are pushing back against Russian lecturing, racist comments, and mistreatment of migrant laborers. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss Central Asia’s sharp responses to Russia’s unwanted advice and strict rules for migrants are Edward Lemon, president of the Washington-based Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, and Fran Olmos, a senior researcher in Central Asian affairs at Spain’s GEOPOL 21 Center and research fellow at the London-based Foreign Policy Center. 00:45:38 full Kazakhs will vote on October 6 in a national referendum to authorize construction of a nuclear power plant. In recent winters, Kazakhstan has experienced severe power shortages, and Kazakh officials assert that nuclear power could help fill the gap. People remember, however, that 456 nuclear weapons were detonated in northeastern Kazakhstan between 1949 and 1989 as part of the Soviet Union’s testing program. The byproducts of these tests continue to affect public health in the region, and many people in Kazakhstan are not pleased with the prospect of nuclear power. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the pros, cons, and controversy of Kazakhstan’s proposed nuclear power plant are guests Togzhan Kassenova, author of the widely acclaimed book Atomic Steppe: How Kazakhstan Gave Up The Bomb; Aya Renaud, an editor at RFE/RL’s Kazakh Service, known locally as Azattyq; and Darkhan Umirbekov, digital editor at Azattyq, who is based in Astana. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-nuclear-power/33139392.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-nuclear-power/33139392.html Sun, 29 Sep 2024 10:19:04 +0200 Bruce Pannier Kazakhs will vote on October 6 in a national referendum to authorize construction of a nuclear power plant. In recent winters, Kazakhstan has experienced severe power shortages, and Kazakh officials assert that nuclear power could help fill the gap. People remember, however, that 456 nuclear weapons were detonated in northeastern Kazakhstan between 1949 and 1989 as part of the Soviet Union’s testing program. The byproducts of these tests continue to affect public health in the region, and many people in Kazakhstan are not pleased with the prospect of nuclear power. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the pros, cons, and controversy of Kazakhstan’s proposed nuclear power plant are guests Togzhan Kassenova, author of the widely acclaimed book Atomic Steppe: How Kazakhstan Gave Up The Bomb; Aya Renaud, an editor at RFE/RL’s Kazakh Service, known locally as Azattyq; and Darkhan Umirbekov, digital editor at Azattyq, who is based in Astana. 00:52:31 full Russia’s longtime influence in Central Asia seemed to fade after the launch of its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022, as other countries pursued stronger relations with Central Asian states and active roles in lucrative projects. The Kremlin noticed and has countered with its own initiatives, of which the most binding may be a series of recent agreements that will increase some Central Asian states’ dependence on Russia for energy resources. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at Russia’s counter-campaign to preserve its strong position in Central Asia are guests Assel Tutumlu, a lecturer at the International Relations and Political Science Department at the Near East University in Cyprus; Francis Olmos, a senior researcher in Central Asian affairs at Spain’s GEOPOL 21 Center and research fellow at the London-based Foreign Policy Centre; and Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-russia-central-asia/33120723.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-russia-central-asia/33120723.html Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:42:34 +0200 RFE/RL Russia’s longtime influence in Central Asia seemed to fade after the launch of its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022, as other countries pursued stronger relations with Central Asian states and active roles in lucrative projects. The Kremlin noticed and has countered with its own initiatives, of which the most binding may be a series of recent agreements that will increase some Central Asian states’ dependence on Russia for energy resources. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at Russia’s counter-campaign to preserve its strong position in Central Asia are guests Assel Tutumlu, a lecturer at the International Relations and Political Science Department at the Near East University in Cyprus; Francis Olmos, a senior researcher in Central Asian affairs at Spain’s GEOPOL 21 Center and research fellow at the London-based Foreign Policy Centre; and Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin. 00:47:53 full Racialization is the process of viewing a specific people with preconceived notions about them. In Russia, non-Russians -- particularly people from Asia or the South Caucasus -- have long been targets of racialization. The problem is especially acute in today’s Russia, where many Russians openly express negative or derogatory views of these peoples, making life extremely difficult for Central Asians who live or work in the country. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at the impact of racialization and ethnic discrimination on Central Asians in Russia are guests Nodira Abdulloeva, an advocate for the rights of migrant workers in Russia; sociologist and University of Amsterdam postdoctoral researcher Nodira Kholmatova; and Tolkun Umaraliev, chief editor for RFE/RL’s Migrant Unit and Ferghana Valley Bureau. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-racialization-central-asians-russia-pannier/33101554.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-racialization-central-asians-russia-pannier/33101554.html Sun, 01 Sep 2024 11:30:27 +0200 Bruce Pannier Racialization is the process of viewing a specific people with preconceived notions about them. In Russia, non-Russians -- particularly people from Asia or the South Caucasus -- have long been targets of racialization. The problem is especially acute in today’s Russia, where many Russians openly express negative or derogatory views of these peoples, making life extremely difficult for Central Asians who live or work in the country. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at the impact of racialization and ethnic discrimination on Central Asians in Russia are guests Nodira Abdulloeva, an advocate for the rights of migrant workers in Russia; sociologist and University of Amsterdam postdoctoral researcher Nodira Kholmatova; and Tolkun Umaraliev, chief editor for RFE/RL’s Migrant Unit and Ferghana Valley Bureau. 00:56:18 full Russia’s historical legacy in Central Asia has come under increased scrutiny in the region since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine. Many Russians, including officials, claim -- in some cases insist -- that Russia’s colonization of Central Asia was beneficial to the region. A growing number of people in Central Asia are coming to a different conclusion, as they reassess the years under Russian and Soviet rule and what Central Asia’s relationship with Russia should be going forward. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this issue are guests Erica Marat, a professor of political science at the National Defense University in Washington and a Central Asia expert originally from Kyrgyzstan, Diana Kudaibergen, a political sociologist from Cambridge University who will be moving on to the University College of London this autumn, and Azamat Junisbai, a sociologist and professor at Pitzer College in Claremont, California. Both Kudaibergen and Junisbai are originally from Kazakhstan https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-decolonizing-central-asia-russian-influence-ukraine/33083200.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-decolonizing-central-asia-russian-influence-ukraine/33083200.html Sun, 18 Aug 2024 11:16:27 +0200 Bruce Pannier Russia’s historical legacy in Central Asia has come under increased scrutiny in the region since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine. Many Russians, including officials, claim -- in some cases insist -- that Russia’s colonization of Central Asia was beneficial to the region. A growing number of people in Central Asia are coming to a different conclusion, as they reassess the years under Russian and Soviet rule and what Central Asia’s relationship with Russia should be going forward. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this issue are guests Erica Marat, a professor of political science at the National Defense University in Washington and a Central Asia expert originally from Kyrgyzstan, Diana Kudaibergen, a political sociologist from Cambridge University who will be moving on to the University College of London this autumn, and Azamat Junisbai, a sociologist and professor at Pitzer College in Claremont, California. Both Kudaibergen and Junisbai are originally from Kazakhstan 00:50:12 full In late June, Tajikistan passed a law on "alien clothing" that bans certain types of Islamic attire, particularly from Arab countries, and some types of Western clothing. Wardrobe violators run the risk of stiff financial penalties. Similar fashion mandates exist throughout Central Asia, focused more on women than men. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss clothing rules in Central Asia and who is affected by these directives are guests Svetlana Dzardanova, human rights researcher at Freedom for Eurasia, who is based in Kyrgyzstan; and Niginakhon Saida, a researcher, educator, and freelance journalist from Uzbekistan specializing in Islam, education, and gender issues in Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-legislating-fashion/33065116.html https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-legislating-fashion/33065116.html Sun, 04 Aug 2024 10:10:23 +0200 Bruce Pannier In late June, Tajikistan passed a law on "alien clothing" that bans certain types of Islamic attire, particularly from Arab countries, and some types of Western clothing. Wardrobe violators run the risk of stiff financial penalties. Similar fashion mandates exist throughout Central Asia, focused more on women than men. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss clothing rules in Central Asia and who is affected by these directives are guests Svetlana Dzardanova, human rights researcher at Freedom for Eurasia, who is based in Kyrgyzstan; and Niginakhon Saida, a researcher, educator, and freelance journalist from Uzbekistan specializing in Islam, education, and gender issues in Central Asia. 00:37:18 full Nearly three years have passed since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, to the dismay of much of the world. While the Central Asian states were among the countries that didn’t welcome the return of the Taliban, most of them took a different approach to the Afghan militant group than they did when the Taliban first ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s. Trade has grown steadily between Central Asia and Afghanistan since August 2021, and Central Asian officials meet regularly with Taliban representatives to discuss cooperation on major projects. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the Taliban’s new relations with its northern neighbors are guests Qadir Habib, director of RFERL’s Radio Azadi; Pahlavon Turgunov, managing editor at RFERL’s Uzbek Service; and Farruh Yusupov, director of RFERL’s Turkmen Service. https://www.rferl.org/a/taliban-central-asia-relations-afghanistan-majlis-podcast/33044749.html https://www.rferl.org/a/taliban-central-asia-relations-afghanistan-majlis-podcast/33044749.html Sun, 21 Jul 2024 09:51:02 +0200 Bruce Pannier Nearly three years have passed since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, to the dismay of much of the world. While the Central Asian states were among the countries that didn’t welcome the return of the Taliban, most of them took a different approach to the Afghan militant group than they did when the Taliban first ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s. Trade has grown steadily between Central Asia and Afghanistan since August 2021, and Central Asian officials meet regularly with Taliban representatives to discuss cooperation on major projects. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the Taliban’s new relations with its northern neighbors are guests Qadir Habib, director of RFERL’s Radio Azadi; Pahlavon Turgunov, managing editor at RFERL’s Uzbek Service; and Farruh Yusupov, director of RFERL’s Turkmen Service. 00:48:21 full Two years have passed since violence erupted in western Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan Sovereign Republic. In early July 2022, Uzbek law enforcement personnel used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse thousands of Karakalpaks gathered in a peaceful protest in the Karakalpak capital, Nukus, over proposed changes to Uzbekistan’s constitution that would have stripped Karakalpakstan of its nominal status as a sovereign republic and right to conduct a referendum to secede from Uzbekistan. Officially, 21 people were killed, most of them protesters. Since then, Uzbek authorities have imprisoned dozens of Karakalpaks, and Karakalpak activists located in other countries are also facing pressure. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the topic are Leila Nazgul Seiitbek, a lawyer and chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia; Hugh Williamson, the Europe and Central Asia director of Human Rights Watch; and Mynaim, a pseudonym for a Karakalpak activist living outside Uzbekistan. (Note: Mynaim’s comments have been voiced over to protect her identity, family, and friends in Karakalpakstan.) https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-karakalpakstan-violence-crackdown-uzbekistan/33025131.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-karakalpakstan-violence-crackdown-uzbekistan/33025131.html Sun, 07 Jul 2024 09:53:02 +0200 Bruce Pannier Two years have passed since violence erupted in western Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan Sovereign Republic. In early July 2022, Uzbek law enforcement personnel used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse thousands of Karakalpaks gathered in a peaceful protest in the Karakalpak capital, Nukus, over proposed changes to Uzbekistan’s constitution that would have stripped Karakalpakstan of its nominal status as a sovereign republic and right to conduct a referendum to secede from Uzbekistan. Officially, 21 people were killed, most of them protesters. Since then, Uzbek authorities have imprisoned dozens of Karakalpaks, and Karakalpak activists located in other countries are also facing pressure. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the topic are Leila Nazgul Seiitbek, a lawyer and chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia; Hugh Williamson, the Europe and Central Asia director of Human Rights Watch; and Mynaim, a pseudonym for a Karakalpak activist living outside Uzbekistan. (Note: Mynaim’s comments have been voiced over to protect her identity, family, and friends in Karakalpakstan.) 00:56:54 full The threat of terrorism is never far from the minds of officials in Central Asia, who know that their region shares a 2,000-kilometer border with Afghanistan. In recent weeks, Tajikistan’s speaker of parliament has warned about a growing number of militants in northern Afghanistan and in Kyrgyzstan, where authorities detained 15 suspected members of Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), a group operating out of Afghanistan. Suspected IS-K militants who are Tajik nationals have been blamed for terrorist attacks in Moscow in March and Iran in January. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at who these militants are and where they are active are guests Lucas Webber, the co-founder and editor of militantwire.com and a research fellow at the Soufan Center; and Riccardo Valle, an analyst focused on jihadism security and the director of thekhorasandiary.com. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-islamic-state-khorasan-central-asia/33005706.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-islamic-state-khorasan-central-asia/33005706.html Sun, 23 Jun 2024 09:56:11 +0200 Bruce Pannier The threat of terrorism is never far from the minds of officials in Central Asia, who know that their region shares a 2,000-kilometer border with Afghanistan. In recent weeks, Tajikistan’s speaker of parliament has warned about a growing number of militants in northern Afghanistan and in Kyrgyzstan, where authorities detained 15 suspected members of Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), a group operating out of Afghanistan. Suspected IS-K militants who are Tajik nationals have been blamed for terrorist attacks in Moscow in March and Iran in January. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at who these militants are and where they are active are guests Lucas Webber, the co-founder and editor of militantwire.com and a research fellow at the Soufan Center; and Riccardo Valle, an analyst focused on jihadism security and the director of thekhorasandiary.com. 00:46:50 full Turkey is building up its influence in Central Asia -- as shown by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The OTS includes Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan; Turkmenistan and Hungary are OTS observer members. The growing cooperation between these states since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine accelerated in 2024, in such sectors as investment, trade, transport, energy, and security. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at developments in the OTS are guests Assel Tutumlu, a lecturer at the International Relations and Political Science Department at the Near East University in Cyprus, and Johan Engvall, from the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS), based at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkic-states/32985198.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkic-states/32985198.html Sun, 09 Jun 2024 10:28:16 +0200 RFE/RL Turkey is building up its influence in Central Asia -- as shown by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The OTS includes Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan; Turkmenistan and Hungary are OTS observer members. The growing cooperation between these states since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine accelerated in 2024, in such sectors as investment, trade, transport, energy, and security. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at developments in the OTS are guests Assel Tutumlu, a lecturer at the International Relations and Political Science Department at the Near East University in Cyprus, and Johan Engvall, from the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS), based at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs. 00:48:46 full Two years have passed since the Tajik government launched its crackdown on residents of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, or GBAO. On May 16, 2022, police and security forces attacked peaceful protesters in the GBAO capital, Khorugh, and dozens of people were killed in the weeks that followed. After the shooting stopped, the state’s repression of the region continued with the arrests of hundreds of GBAO natives – including this month, when at least 35 residents of GBAO’s Yazgulom district were detained. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the Tajik government’s crackdown in GBAO are guests Syinat Sultanalieva, a researcher covering Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for Human Rights Watch, and Bakhtiyor Safarov, the founder of the firm Central Asia Consulting in the United States who is originally from Gorno-Badakhshan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-gorno-badakshan-crackdown/32964172.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-gorno-badakshan-crackdown/32964172.html Sun, 26 May 2024 10:28:30 +0200 Bruce Pannier Two years have passed since the Tajik government launched its crackdown on residents of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, or GBAO. On May 16, 2022, police and security forces attacked peaceful protesters in the GBAO capital, Khorugh, and dozens of people were killed in the weeks that followed. After the shooting stopped, the state’s repression of the region continued with the arrests of hundreds of GBAO natives – including this month, when at least 35 residents of GBAO’s Yazgulom district were detained. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the Tajik government’s crackdown in GBAO are guests Syinat Sultanalieva, a researcher covering Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for Human Rights Watch, and Bakhtiyor Safarov, the founder of the firm Central Asia Consulting in the United States who is originally from Gorno-Badakhshan. 00:48:38 full The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) just released its annual report on freedom of religion in the world. The sections on Central Asia make for grim reading. Constitutionally, people in Central Asia can practice whatever faith they choose. In practice, however, only the state-approved forms of Islam and the Russian Orthodox Church are acceptable to authorities in Central Asia. Other groups face a myriad of problems; discussions of religion posted on social networks that stray from state sanctioned norms can lead to legal repercussions. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are Mollie Blum, a researcher at USCIRF who helped compile the data on Central Asia for the recent report, and Felix Corley, editor of the Forum 18 News Service that monitors religious freedom in the former Soviet republics and Eastern Europe. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-religious-freedom-central-asia/32943016.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-religious-freedom-central-asia/32943016.html Sun, 12 May 2024 09:54:54 +0200 Bruce Pannier The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) just released its annual report on freedom of religion in the world. The sections on Central Asia make for grim reading. Constitutionally, people in Central Asia can practice whatever faith they choose. In practice, however, only the state-approved forms of Islam and the Russian Orthodox Church are acceptable to authorities in Central Asia. Other groups face a myriad of problems; discussions of religion posted on social networks that stray from state sanctioned norms can lead to legal repercussions. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are Mollie Blum, a researcher at USCIRF who helped compile the data on Central Asia for the recent report, and Felix Corley, editor of the Forum 18 News Service that monitors religious freedom in the former Soviet republics and Eastern Europe. 00:52:17 full British Foreign Secretary David Cameron just completed an official trip to all five Central Asian states. For Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, this was the first time a British foreign secretary had ever visited. In this episode of the Majlis podcast, we look at Cameron’s Central Asia tour, what he was offering to his hosts, and what he was able to accomplish during the trip. Joining host Bruce Pannier are guests Aijan Sharshenova, a research fellow at the Bishkek-based think tank Crossroads Central Asia; Ben Godwin, the head of analysis at PRISM Political Risk Management, who lived and worked in Kazakhstan for seven years and continues to monitor events there; and Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian studies at Glasgow University and author of several books on Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-cameron-central-asia/32923843.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-cameron-central-asia/32923843.html Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:15:16 +0200 Bruce Pannier British Foreign Secretary David Cameron just completed an official trip to all five Central Asian states. For Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, this was the first time a British foreign secretary had ever visited. In this episode of the Majlis podcast, we look at Cameron’s Central Asia tour, what he was offering to his hosts, and what he was able to accomplish during the trip. Joining host Bruce Pannier are guests Aijan Sharshenova, a research fellow at the Bishkek-based think tank Crossroads Central Asia; Ben Godwin, the head of analysis at PRISM Political Risk Management, who lived and worked in Kazakhstan for seven years and continues to monitor events there; and Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian studies at Glasgow University and author of several books on Central Asia. 00:47:14 full Can an authoritarian government's policies contribute to its citizens becoming terrorists? Tajik President Emomali Rahmon’s government has received financial and security aid from many governments and for more than three decades, in an effort to keep Tajikistan from becoming a second Afghanistan or Syria. During that time, Rahmon has exploited these concerns to crush all potential opposition and allow his family to take control of nearly every profitable business in the country. In recent months, a few dozen citizens of Tajikistan have carried out -- or been accused of carrying out or abetting -- terrorist attacks in several countries. Should the Tajik government also be held responsible? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this are guests Marius Fossum, the regional representative in Central Asia for the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer with long experience in Central Asia and currently an associate professor of the practice of human rights at the University of Southern California. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-tajikistan-terrorism-policies-to-blame/32904741.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-tajikistan-terrorism-policies-to-blame/32904741.html Sun, 14 Apr 2024 11:46:38 +0200 Bruce Pannier Can an authoritarian government's policies contribute to its citizens becoming terrorists? Tajik President Emomali Rahmon’s government has received financial and security aid from many governments and for more than three decades, in an effort to keep Tajikistan from becoming a second Afghanistan or Syria. During that time, Rahmon has exploited these concerns to crush all potential opposition and allow his family to take control of nearly every profitable business in the country. In recent months, a few dozen citizens of Tajikistan have carried out -- or been accused of carrying out or abetting -- terrorist attacks in several countries. Should the Tajik government also be held responsible? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this are guests Marius Fossum, the regional representative in Central Asia for the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer with long experience in Central Asia and currently an associate professor of the practice of human rights at the University of Southern California. 00:47:38 full Russian security forces arrested several Tajik citizens in the wake of the March 22 attack on the Crocus City Hall outside Moscow that left more than 140 dead, claiming they were the perpetrators of the massacre. The news touched off a wave of xenophobia against Central Asian migrant laborers in Russia, with most of the suspicion and hostility directed toward ethnic Tajiks. This overt racism is also spilling over into Tajik-Russian relations. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these matters and more are Edward Lemon, a professor at Texas A&M University and president of the Oxus Society for Central Asia; and Salimjon Aioubov, director of RFE/RL’s Tajik Service. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajiks-russia-terror-attack-migrants/32885194.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajiks-russia-terror-attack-migrants/32885194.html Sun, 31 Mar 2024 10:15:52 +0200 Bruce Pannier Russian security forces arrested several Tajik citizens in the wake of the March 22 attack on the Crocus City Hall outside Moscow that left more than 140 dead, claiming they were the perpetrators of the massacre. The news touched off a wave of xenophobia against Central Asian migrant laborers in Russia, with most of the suspicion and hostility directed toward ethnic Tajiks. This overt racism is also spilling over into Tajik-Russian relations. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these matters and more are Edward Lemon, a professor at Texas A&M University and president of the Oxus Society for Central Asia; and Salimjon Aioubov, director of RFE/RL’s Tajik Service. 00:46:21 full In the first two weeks of March, Turkmenistan has been unusually active in promoting its potential as a natural-gas supplier. Among the countries Turkmen officials have named as potential customers are Azerbaijan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Kazakhstan. Why is Turkmenistan suddenly so interested in finding new markets for its gas, and what are the chances any of these countries might become importers of Turkmen gas? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these questions are guests John Roberts, one of Europe’s leading specialists on the Middle East, Russian, Caspian, Turkish, and Kurdish energy security issues; and Farruh Yusupov, the director of RFERL’s Turkmen Service, known locally as Azatlyk. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-turkmenistan-looks-for-gas-markets/32865088.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-turkmenistan-looks-for-gas-markets/32865088.html Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:18:24 +0100 Bruce Pannier In the first two weeks of March, Turkmenistan has been unusually active in promoting its potential as a natural-gas supplier. Among the countries Turkmen officials have named as potential customers are Azerbaijan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Kazakhstan. Why is Turkmenistan suddenly so interested in finding new markets for its gas, and what are the chances any of these countries might become importers of Turkmen gas? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these questions are guests John Roberts, one of Europe’s leading specialists on the Middle East, Russian, Caspian, Turkish, and Kurdish energy security issues; and Farruh Yusupov, the director of RFERL’s Turkmen Service, known locally as Azatlyk. 00:42:25 full Karakalpak activists are experiencing problems in Kazakhstan and in Europe. Trouble started after Uzbek security forces brutally suppressed a peaceful protest over the region’s sovereignty within Uzbekistan in Nukus, capital of the Karakalpakstan Sovereign Republic, in July 2022. This year, a Karakalpak activists died in Kazakhstan while another is currently detained there. Two more activists in Europe face possible deportation. Joining host Bruce Pannier are Arzu, a pseudonym for a Karakalpak activist now living outside Uzbekistan; Catherine Putz, managing editor at The Diplomat magazine; Leila Seiitbek, chairwoman of the NGO Freedom For Eurasia; and noted human rights lawyer Steve Swerdlow. (Note: Arzu’s comments have been voiced over to protect family and friends in Karakalpakstan.) https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-karakalpak-activists-detentions-pannier/32845976.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-karakalpak-activists-detentions-pannier/32845976.html Sun, 10 Mar 2024 11:36:47 +0100 Bruce Pannier Karakalpak activists are experiencing problems in Kazakhstan and in Europe. Trouble started after Uzbek security forces brutally suppressed a peaceful protest over the region’s sovereignty within Uzbekistan in Nukus, capital of the Karakalpakstan Sovereign Republic, in July 2022. This year, a Karakalpak activists died in Kazakhstan while another is currently detained there. Two more activists in Europe face possible deportation. Joining host Bruce Pannier are Arzu, a pseudonym for a Karakalpak activist now living outside Uzbekistan; Catherine Putz, managing editor at The Diplomat magazine; Leila Seiitbek, chairwoman of the NGO Freedom For Eurasia; and noted human rights lawyer Steve Swerdlow. (Note: Arzu’s comments have been voiced over to protect family and friends in Karakalpakstan.) 00:55:07 full A court in Kyrgyzstan ordered the closure of Kloop Media on February 9. The court’s ruling came after a series of state-selected “experts” testified on court that Kloop’s reporting was having a negative psychological effect on Kyrgyzstan’s people. The ruling against Kloop sends a chilling message to independent outlets and journalists, who were already bracing for the possible adoption of two draft laws—one on media, the other on NGOs—that would give Kyrgyz authorities even greater latitude to limit independent journalism. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the court’s decision against Kloop and what it means for media freedom in Kyrgyzstan are guests Gulnoza Said, the Europe and Central Asia coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists and Muzaffar Suleymanov, program officer in the Eurasia Department at the Swedish-based organization Civil Rights Defenders. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-kloop-closure/32824634.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-kloop-closure/32824634.html Sun, 18 Feb 2024 11:14:07 +0100 Bruce Pannier A court in Kyrgyzstan ordered the closure of Kloop Media on February 9. The court’s ruling came after a series of state-selected “experts” testified on court that Kloop’s reporting was having a negative psychological effect on Kyrgyzstan’s people. The ruling against Kloop sends a chilling message to independent outlets and journalists, who were already bracing for the possible adoption of two draft laws—one on media, the other on NGOs—that would give Kyrgyz authorities even greater latitude to limit independent journalism. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the court’s decision against Kloop and what it means for media freedom in Kyrgyzstan are guests Gulnoza Said, the Europe and Central Asia coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists and Muzaffar Suleymanov, program officer in the Eurasia Department at the Swedish-based organization Civil Rights Defenders. 00:49:41 full On January 29-30, Brussels hosted an Investors Forum for European Union-Central Asia Transport Connectivity. At the forum, EU officials announced that European and international investors would commit 10 billion euros ($10.8 billion) in support and investments toward transport connectivity between Europe and Central Asia, as part of the EU’s Global Gateway trade network. The money will go toward a wide assortment of projects -- from roads and railways to renewable energy resources. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss what is in this 10-billion-euro package are guests Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, director of the European Neighborhood Council, and Kestutis Jankauskas, the European Union’s ambassador to Kazakhstan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-eu-investment-pannier/32804761.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-eu-investment-pannier/32804761.html Sun, 04 Feb 2024 11:37:29 +0100 Bruce Pannier On January 29-30, Brussels hosted an Investors Forum for European Union-Central Asia Transport Connectivity. At the forum, EU officials announced that European and international investors would commit 10 billion euros ($10.8 billion) in support and investments toward transport connectivity between Europe and Central Asia, as part of the EU’s Global Gateway trade network. The money will go toward a wide assortment of projects -- from roads and railways to renewable energy resources. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss what is in this 10-billion-euro package are guests Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, director of the European Neighborhood Council, and Kestutis Jankauskas, the European Union’s ambassador to Kazakhstan. 00:44:42 full While Kyrgyzstan's independent media scene has been slowly deteriorating for two years, January 15 marked a turning point with raids by law enforcement officers at media outlets and homes of journalists. At least 11 people were detained and ordered into police custody for two months. Kyrgyzstan’s parliament is again considering a restrictive draft media law compared to legislation used by Russia to shut down media outlets there. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at the crackdown on Kyrgyzstan’s independent media and what might be coming if the draft media law is approved are guests Tattuububu Ergeshbaeva, director of the Tandem - Lawyers' Community and Syinat Sultanalieva, Central Asia researcher for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at Human Rights Watch. https://www.rferl.org/a/32785490.html https://www.rferl.org/a/32785490.html Sun, 21 Jan 2024 11:10:21 +0100 Bruce Pannier While Kyrgyzstan's independent media scene has been slowly deteriorating for two years, January 15 marked a turning point with raids by law enforcement officers at media outlets and homes of journalists. At least 11 people were detained and ordered into police custody for two months. Kyrgyzstan’s parliament is again considering a restrictive draft media law compared to legislation used by Russia to shut down media outlets there. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at the crackdown on Kyrgyzstan’s independent media and what might be coming if the draft media law is approved are guests Tattuububu Ergeshbaeva, director of the Tandem - Lawyers' Community and Syinat Sultanalieva, Central Asia researcher for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at Human Rights Watch. 00:52:30 full Kyrgyzstan has changed its national flag. It was clear from the time the idea of altering the flag was first proposed in September 2023 that the country’s president, Sadyr Japarov, wanted the change. There was strong opposition from many of the country’s citizens, but that met with a very aggressive response from authorities and very quickly the idea became a reality. The process by which Kyrgyzstan’s flag was changed is especially interesting because it illustrates more broadly how the country has been governed since President Japarov came to power. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss Kyrgyzstan’s new flag and what it says about the current Kyrgyz government’s methods are guests Leila Seiitbek, chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia, and Admir Kurman, who is from Kyrgyzstan, but currently works in London as an innovation strategist. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-flag-japarov-government-pannier/32764501.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-flag-japarov-government-pannier/32764501.html Sun, 07 Jan 2024 11:53:12 +0100 Bruce Pannier Kyrgyzstan has changed its national flag. It was clear from the time the idea of altering the flag was first proposed in September 2023 that the country’s president, Sadyr Japarov, wanted the change. There was strong opposition from many of the country’s citizens, but that met with a very aggressive response from authorities and very quickly the idea became a reality. The process by which Kyrgyzstan’s flag was changed is especially interesting because it illustrates more broadly how the country has been governed since President Japarov came to power. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss Kyrgyzstan’s new flag and what it says about the current Kyrgyz government’s methods are guests Leila Seiitbek, chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia, and Admir Kurman, who is from Kyrgyzstan, but currently works in London as an innovation strategist. 00:40:34 full It has been more than 30 years since the five Central Asian states became independent, yet the term “Russia’s backyard” is often still used by some people, including Western media, when reporting on the region. Understandably, many in Central Asia find this way of describing their region offensive. Yet Russia remains a neighbor and a country with unique influence in Central Asia. How far has Central Asia come in being independent from Russia and what are some of the ties that still bind the region to its former colonizer? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the ebb and flow of Central Asia’s relations with Russia in the last two years are guests Johan Engvall, an analyst at the Stockholm Center for Eastern European Studies; Navbahor Imamova, veteran correspondent for the Uzbek Service at Voice of America, and Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-russia-central-asia-influence/32754327.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-russia-central-asia-influence/32754327.html Sun, 31 Dec 2023 11:28:46 +0100 Bruce Pannier It has been more than 30 years since the five Central Asian states became independent, yet the term “Russia’s backyard” is often still used by some people, including Western media, when reporting on the region. Understandably, many in Central Asia find this way of describing their region offensive. Yet Russia remains a neighbor and a country with unique influence in Central Asia. How far has Central Asia come in being independent from Russia and what are some of the ties that still bind the region to its former colonizer? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the ebb and flow of Central Asia’s relations with Russia in the last two years are guests Johan Engvall, an analyst at the Stockholm Center for Eastern European Studies; Navbahor Imamova, veteran correspondent for the Uzbek Service at Voice of America, and Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin. 01:01:08 full Central Asia has never enjoyed so much international attention as it has since Russia launched its full-scale war on Ukraine. The search for new, non-Russian trade routes and energy resources to replace Russian oil and gas supplies is leading many countries to strengthen their ties with the Central Asian states. One sign of this is the world tour the Central Asian leaders (as members of the C5 group of states) have been on in 2023, traveling to meet with heads of state in China, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and other countries. This new popularity has changed the fortunes of the Central Asian countries, but also the manner in which the leaders govern their countries. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss all this are guests Catherine Putz, managing editor at The Diplomat magazine, Nargis Kassenova, senior fellow and director of the program on Central Asia at Harvard Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, and Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian studies at Glasgow University. https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-global-profile-pannier-majlis-podcast/32745324.html https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-global-profile-pannier-majlis-podcast/32745324.html Sun, 24 Dec 2023 10:46:23 +0100 RFE/RL Central Asia has never enjoyed so much international attention as it has since Russia launched its full-scale war on Ukraine. The search for new, non-Russian trade routes and energy resources to replace Russian oil and gas supplies is leading many countries to strengthen their ties with the Central Asian states. One sign of this is the world tour the Central Asian leaders (as members of the C5 group of states) have been on in 2023, traveling to meet with heads of state in China, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and other countries. This new popularity has changed the fortunes of the Central Asian countries, but also the manner in which the leaders govern their countries. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss all this are guests Catherine Putz, managing editor at The Diplomat magazine, Nargis Kassenova, senior fellow and director of the program on Central Asia at Harvard Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, and Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian studies at Glasgow University. 00:50:10 full Since Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev came to power in late 2016, he has often exhorted journalists to draw attention to corruption and other problems in the country. Mirziyoev has promised he would “stand behind” journalists and media outlets. However, the Uzbek president has been nowhere in sight recently as bloggers in the country have been arrested and given long prison sentences -- in some cases longer sentences than people in Uzbekistan convicted for violent crimes receive. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are guests Umida Niyazova, director at the Germany-based Uzbek Forum for Human Rights, and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer with many years of experience in Central Asia who is currently an associate professor of the practice of human rights at the University of Southern California. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-bloggers-arrested-media-freedom/32734199.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-bloggers-arrested-media-freedom/32734199.html Sun, 17 Dec 2023 10:53:07 +0100 Bruce Pannier Since Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev came to power in late 2016, he has often exhorted journalists to draw attention to corruption and other problems in the country. Mirziyoev has promised he would “stand behind” journalists and media outlets. However, the Uzbek president has been nowhere in sight recently as bloggers in the country have been arrested and given long prison sentences -- in some cases longer sentences than people in Uzbekistan convicted for violent crimes receive. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are guests Umida Niyazova, director at the Germany-based Uzbek Forum for Human Rights, and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer with many years of experience in Central Asia who is currently an associate professor of the practice of human rights at the University of Southern California. 00:40:36 full The government's announcement of a new tax regime for local bazaars and markets sparked an unexpected backlash, with protests erupting in towns and cities across Kyrgyzstan. President Sadyr Japarov's government has made it difficult for people to gather and criticize the authorities' actions; the merchants' protests ended a long period without any large demonstrations. What was behind this public display of dissatisfaction, and what does it say about the culture of protest in Kyrgyzstan, a country that has seen three presidents chased from power as a result of street demonstrations? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the issue are Asel Doolotkeldieva, nonresident fellow at George Washington University; and Medet Tiulegenov, senior research fellow at the University of Central Asia in Bishkek. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-market-protests/32724322.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-market-protests/32724322.html Sun, 10 Dec 2023 13:20:44 +0100 Bruce Pannier The government's announcement of a new tax regime for local bazaars and markets sparked an unexpected backlash, with protests erupting in towns and cities across Kyrgyzstan. President Sadyr Japarov's government has made it difficult for people to gather and criticize the authorities' actions; the merchants' protests ended a long period without any large demonstrations. What was behind this public display of dissatisfaction, and what does it say about the culture of protest in Kyrgyzstan, a country that has seen three presidents chased from power as a result of street demonstrations? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the issue are Asel Doolotkeldieva, nonresident fellow at George Washington University; and Medet Tiulegenov, senior research fellow at the University of Central Asia in Bishkek. 00:35:24 full December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Central Asian countries have all ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and are moving toward implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Two of those goals are: quality education for all; and decent work and economic growth. In this podcast, we look at the prospects for Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to achieve these goals for persons with disabilities. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this topic are guests Seinep Dyikanbayeva, program manager and lawyer of the Kyrgyz NGO Parents of Children with Disabilities; Madina Karsakpaeyava, currently working for the UNDP to help make all of Kazakhstan accessible for the disabled; Mirsaid Mukhtorov, a student of the International Law Faculty at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Uzbekistan, and an independent researcher of rights of people with disabilities; and Dilmurad Yusupov, co-founder of the NGO Sharoit Plus, an organization which aims to promote a barrier-free and inclusive society for all disabled people in Uzbekistan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-central-asia-disabilities/32711838.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-central-asia-disabilities/32711838.html Sun, 03 Dec 2023 12:01:52 +0100 Bruce Pannier December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Central Asian countries have all ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and are moving toward implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Two of those goals are: quality education for all; and decent work and economic growth. In this podcast, we look at the prospects for Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to achieve these goals for persons with disabilities. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this topic are guests Seinep Dyikanbayeva, program manager and lawyer of the Kyrgyz NGO Parents of Children with Disabilities; Madina Karsakpaeyava, currently working for the UNDP to help make all of Kazakhstan accessible for the disabled; Mirsaid Mukhtorov, a student of the International Law Faculty at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Uzbekistan, and an independent researcher of rights of people with disabilities; and Dilmurad Yusupov, co-founder of the NGO Sharoit Plus, an organization which aims to promote a barrier-free and inclusive society for all disabled people in Uzbekistan. 00:42:47 full All five Central Asian militaries have drones, and four of the countries produce military drones domestically. Drones were first used in anger in Central Asia during Kyrgyz-Tajik border clashes in September 2022, when Kyrgyzstan’s drones were used to attack positions in Tajikistan. Drone acquisition is a point of pride -- and of media coverage -- throughout the region. Who is supplying drones to Central Asia or helping Central Asian governments produce their own? Why do the Central Asian states even need drones? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this topic are guests Derek Bisaccio, Forecast International's lead analyst for International Defense Markets, specializing in the defense trade in the Eurasia and Middle East regions, and Francisco Olmos, senior researcher in Central Asian affairs at Spain’s GEOPOL 21 Center, and also a research fellow at the London-based Foreign Policy Centre. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-pannier-podcast-drones-military-central-asia/32700305.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-pannier-podcast-drones-military-central-asia/32700305.html Sun, 26 Nov 2023 13:07:14 +0100 Bruce Pannier All five Central Asian militaries have drones, and four of the countries produce military drones domestically. Drones were first used in anger in Central Asia during Kyrgyz-Tajik border clashes in September 2022, when Kyrgyzstan’s drones were used to attack positions in Tajikistan. Drone acquisition is a point of pride -- and of media coverage -- throughout the region. Who is supplying drones to Central Asia or helping Central Asian governments produce their own? Why do the Central Asian states even need drones? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this topic are guests Derek Bisaccio, Forecast International's lead analyst for International Defense Markets, specializing in the defense trade in the Eurasia and Middle East regions, and Francisco Olmos, senior researcher in Central Asian affairs at Spain’s GEOPOL 21 Center, and also a research fellow at the London-based Foreign Policy Centre. 00:41:29 full Headlines in Kazakhstan in recent weeks have been dominated by reports of violence against women. Two women were the victims of rape. In one case, the victim said police pressured her to drop the complaint against her attacker. In the other, the accused rapist was the local chief of police. A third woman is dead after her husband, a former government minister, beat her to death in a restaurant. Are the law and society in Kazakhstan failing to protect women, and what can be done to change the situation? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this issue are guests Khalida Azhigulova, a lawyer and international consultant on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse; Svetlana Dzardanova, human rights and corruption researcher at Freedom for Eurasia; and Zhanar Sekerbayeva, co-founder of the Kazakhstan Feminist Initiative Feminita with focus on lesbian, bisexual, queer, and trans women's rights. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-pannier-podcast-gender-violence-kazakhstan/32690989.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-pannier-podcast-gender-violence-kazakhstan/32690989.html Sun, 19 Nov 2023 11:49:06 +0100 Bruce Pannier Headlines in Kazakhstan in recent weeks have been dominated by reports of violence against women. Two women were the victims of rape. In one case, the victim said police pressured her to drop the complaint against her attacker. In the other, the accused rapist was the local chief of police. A third woman is dead after her husband, a former government minister, beat her to death in a restaurant. Are the law and society in Kazakhstan failing to protect women, and what can be done to change the situation? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this issue are guests Khalida Azhigulova, a lawyer and international consultant on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse; Svetlana Dzardanova, human rights and corruption researcher at Freedom for Eurasia; and Zhanar Sekerbayeva, co-founder of the Kazakhstan Feminist Initiative Feminita with focus on lesbian, bisexual, queer, and trans women's rights. 00:51:20 full Gallup World Poll just released the results of its annual Law and Order Index, which ranked Tajikistan as the most secure country in the world. The poll was based on whether people “are confident in their local police, feel safe in their neighborhoods, and were victims of theft or assault in the past year.” The rating surprised some, and there is certainly another side to the story of law and order in Tajikistan. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the situation are guests Marius Fossum, the longtime Central Asia representative of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, and Muhamadjon Kabirov, whose family fled Tajikistan to escape political repression, and who currently serves as editor in chief of the Tajik-language news network Azda.TV, which is based in Europe. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-law-order-gallup-pannier/32681475.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-law-order-gallup-pannier/32681475.html Sun, 12 Nov 2023 12:05:56 +0100 Bruce Pannier Gallup World Poll just released the results of its annual Law and Order Index, which ranked Tajikistan as the most secure country in the world. The poll was based on whether people “are confident in their local police, feel safe in their neighborhoods, and were victims of theft or assault in the past year.” The rating surprised some, and there is certainly another side to the story of law and order in Tajikistan. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the situation are guests Marius Fossum, the longtime Central Asia representative of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, and Muhamadjon Kabirov, whose family fled Tajikistan to escape political repression, and who currently serves as editor in chief of the Tajik-language news network Azda.TV, which is based in Europe. 00:32:46 full Geographically, Central Asia is located a comfortable distance away from the wars in the Caucasus, Ukraine, and the Middle East, but these conflicts affect Central Asia’s governments, as well as the region’s people. For different reasons, the fighting in those three areas is causing rifts and bringing new challenges. How are the region’s governments reacting to the conflicts? How do Central Asia’s residents feel about the wars -- and their leaders’ responses to them? Which combatants can Central Asians openly support, and how? Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at these questions are Joseph Epstein, a legislative fellow at the Endowment for Middle East Truth who focuses on the post-Soviet Space and the Middle East; Mukhtar Senggirbay, managing editor at RFE/RL’s Kazakh Service, known locally as Azattyq; and Salimjon Aioubov, director of RFERL’s Tajik Service, known locally as Ozodi. (Editor's Note: Some of the claims made by podcast participants about the fighting between Israel and Hamas -- designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and EU -- have not been confirmed.) https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-wars-israel-hamas-ukraine-impact/32671821.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-wars-israel-hamas-ukraine-impact/32671821.html Sun, 05 Nov 2023 11:26:46 +0100 Bruce Pannier Geographically, Central Asia is located a comfortable distance away from the wars in the Caucasus, Ukraine, and the Middle East, but these conflicts affect Central Asia’s governments, as well as the region’s people. For different reasons, the fighting in those three areas is causing rifts and bringing new challenges. How are the region’s governments reacting to the conflicts? How do Central Asia’s residents feel about the wars -- and their leaders’ responses to them? Which combatants can Central Asians openly support, and how? Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at these questions are Joseph Epstein, a legislative fellow at the Endowment for Middle East Truth who focuses on the post-Soviet Space and the Middle East; Mukhtar Senggirbay, managing editor at RFE/RL’s Kazakh Service, known locally as Azattyq; and Salimjon Aioubov, director of RFERL’s Tajik Service, known locally as Ozodi. (Editor's Note: Some of the claims made by podcast participants about the fighting between Israel and Hamas -- designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and EU -- have not been confirmed.) 00:45:54 full On October 25, Kyrgyzstan’s draft law on noncommercial organizations was adopted by parliament in its first reading. The bill has been criticized by domestic and international rights groups, but if it passes through two more readings it will become law. There is another controversial bill on media that will be reviewed soon by parliament. Both draft laws are close copies of similar laws in Russia that the Kremlin used to silence critical voices. Even without these laws being in effect, the activities of independent media outlets, and other groups, are already increasingly restricted in Kyrgyzstan. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss how Kyrgyzstan’s laws are being used to pressure media and civil society organizations are Jasmine Cameron, senior legal adviser for Europe and Eurasia with the American Bar Association's Justice Defenders Program; and Aibek Askarbekov, a Bishkek-based lawyer specializing in political, civil rights, and noncommercial law. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-draft-laws-media-civil-society-crackdown/32658672.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-draft-laws-media-civil-society-crackdown/32658672.html Sun, 29 Oct 2023 11:04:25 +0100 Bruce Pannier On October 25, Kyrgyzstan’s draft law on noncommercial organizations was adopted by parliament in its first reading. The bill has been criticized by domestic and international rights groups, but if it passes through two more readings it will become law. There is another controversial bill on media that will be reviewed soon by parliament. Both draft laws are close copies of similar laws in Russia that the Kremlin used to silence critical voices. Even without these laws being in effect, the activities of independent media outlets, and other groups, are already increasingly restricted in Kyrgyzstan. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss how Kyrgyzstan’s laws are being used to pressure media and civil society organizations are Jasmine Cameron, senior legal adviser for Europe and Eurasia with the American Bar Association's Justice Defenders Program; and Aibek Askarbekov, a Bishkek-based lawyer specializing in political, civil rights, and noncommercial law. 00:45:29 full It's no secret that kleptocracy is a problem in every Central Asian country. The presidents, their families, and close associates all seem to live very well while their populations can barely make ends meet. Might sanctions help rein in these excesses? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this issue are guests Eldiyar Arykbaev, senior investigative reporter and coordinator for Central Asia at the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project; Tom Mayne, a research fellow at Oxford University and co-investigator on the Providing the Evidence and Analysis for a UK Counter-Kleptocracy Strategy project; and Leila Seiitbek, chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia and a member of the working group advocating for a global Every Woman treaty to end all forms of violence against women and girls. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-sanctions-central-asia-kleptocracies/32648811.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-sanctions-central-asia-kleptocracies/32648811.html Sun, 22 Oct 2023 11:03:10 +0200 Bruce Pannier It's no secret that kleptocracy is a problem in every Central Asian country. The presidents, their families, and close associates all seem to live very well while their populations can barely make ends meet. Might sanctions help rein in these excesses? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this issue are guests Eldiyar Arykbaev, senior investigative reporter and coordinator for Central Asia at the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project; Tom Mayne, a research fellow at Oxford University and co-investigator on the Providing the Evidence and Analysis for a UK Counter-Kleptocracy Strategy project; and Leila Seiitbek, chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia and a member of the working group advocating for a global Every Woman treaty to end all forms of violence against women and girls. 00:45:24 full The Tajik government is now, arguably, the most repressive in Central Asia. Tajik authorities punish the relatives of opposition figures, critics, activists, and journalists who flee to escape persecution. In some cases, fleeing Tajikistan does not ensure safety. A new report from Crude Accountability details how Tajik authorities secure the forcible repatriation of perceived opponents, who then vanish in prison. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the Tajik government’s tactics of repression are guests Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer currently teaching the practice of human rights at the University of Southern California and the author of the Crude Accountability report; and Bahtiyor Safarov, founder of the U.S.-based firm Central Asia Consulting, who is originally from eastern Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan region. https://www.rferl.org/a/32638152.html https://www.rferl.org/a/32638152.html Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:17:32 +0200 Bruce Pannier The Tajik government is now, arguably, the most repressive in Central Asia. Tajik authorities punish the relatives of opposition figures, critics, activists, and journalists who flee to escape persecution. In some cases, fleeing Tajikistan does not ensure safety. A new report from Crude Accountability details how Tajik authorities secure the forcible repatriation of perceived opponents, who then vanish in prison. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the Tajik government’s tactics of repression are guests Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer currently teaching the practice of human rights at the University of Southern California and the author of the Crude Accountability report; and Bahtiyor Safarov, founder of the U.S.-based firm Central Asia Consulting, who is originally from eastern Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan region. 00:46:56 full A woman outside Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, was savagely attacked by her ex-husband in late September, and will be permanently disfigured as a result. Since the attack, many troubling facts have emerged about lenient treatment by Kyrgyz courts of men who commit violent acts against women, and police who don’t seem interested in acting on complaints of domestic violence. How is the legal system failing women and girls in Kyrgyzstan, and why does the situation seem so resistant to change? Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at this problem are guests Aksana Ismailbekova, a research fellow at Leibniz-Zentrum-Moderner Orient; Adina Masalbekova, a nonresident EUCAM research fellow at the Centre for European Security Studies; and Leila Seiitbek, chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia and a member of the working group advocating for a global Every Woman treaty to end all forms of violence against women and girls. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-women-violence-laws-pannier/32628240.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-women-violence-laws-pannier/32628240.html Sun, 08 Oct 2023 12:10:20 +0200 Bruce Pannier A woman outside Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, was savagely attacked by her ex-husband in late September, and will be permanently disfigured as a result. Since the attack, many troubling facts have emerged about lenient treatment by Kyrgyz courts of men who commit violent acts against women, and police who don’t seem interested in acting on complaints of domestic violence. How is the legal system failing women and girls in Kyrgyzstan, and why does the situation seem so resistant to change? Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at this problem are guests Aksana Ismailbekova, a research fellow at Leibniz-Zentrum-Moderner Orient; Adina Masalbekova, a nonresident EUCAM research fellow at the Centre for European Security Studies; and Leila Seiitbek, chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia and a member of the working group advocating for a global Every Woman treaty to end all forms of violence against women and girls. 00:41:29 full Kazakhstan’s Finance Ministry recently posted a list of organizations and individuals in the country who receive foreign funding. Critics point to similar moves by Russia a decade ago that led to the enactment of "foreign agent" laws that allowed the Kremlin to close down many civil society groups, rights organizations, and independent media. What’s behind the Kazakh authorities' decision to publish the list? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are guests Mihra Rittmann, senior Central Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch; Ivar Dale, senior policy adviser at the Norwegian Helsinki Committee; and Yevgeny Zhovtis, veteran rights activist and director of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law. Both Zhovtis' and Dale's organizations are included on Kazakhstan’s list. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-foreign-agents/32617932.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-foreign-agents/32617932.html Sun, 01 Oct 2023 10:13:58 +0200 Bruce Pannier Kazakhstan’s Finance Ministry recently posted a list of organizations and individuals in the country who receive foreign funding. Critics point to similar moves by Russia a decade ago that led to the enactment of "foreign agent" laws that allowed the Kremlin to close down many civil society groups, rights organizations, and independent media. What’s behind the Kazakh authorities' decision to publish the list? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are guests Mihra Rittmann, senior Central Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch; Ivar Dale, senior policy adviser at the Norwegian Helsinki Committee; and Yevgeny Zhovtis, veteran rights activist and director of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law. Both Zhovtis' and Dale's organizations are included on Kazakhstan’s list. 00:39:59 full On September 19, U.S. President Joe Biden met with the five Central Asian leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York -- a first for the six countries. For over 20 years after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, U.S.-Central Asian ties focused heavily on security cooperation. Security was still part of the discussion at the summit, but other issues received equal, if not more attention. What is the state of U.S.-Central Asian relations now? Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at what the summit tells us about U.S.-Central Asian ties are guests Laura Kennedy, former U.S. ambassador to Turkmenistan, Eileen Malloy, former U.S. ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, and William Courtney, former U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-biden-meeting-central-asia-us-relations/32606905.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-biden-meeting-central-asia-us-relations/32606905.html Sun, 24 Sep 2023 14:18:11 +0200 Bruce Pannier On September 19, U.S. President Joe Biden met with the five Central Asian leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York -- a first for the six countries. For over 20 years after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, U.S.-Central Asian ties focused heavily on security cooperation. Security was still part of the discussion at the summit, but other issues received equal, if not more attention. What is the state of U.S.-Central Asian relations now? Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at what the summit tells us about U.S.-Central Asian ties are guests Laura Kennedy, former U.S. ambassador to Turkmenistan, Eileen Malloy, former U.S. ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, and William Courtney, former U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan. 00:42:37 full The presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan met in Dushanbe on September 14-15 at a time of great uncertainty in Central Asia. The ripple effects from Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine are changing the geopolitical landscape in Central Asia, even as climate change has already started affecting the physical landscape of the region as well. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at the Central Asian leaders’ discussions in Dushanbe are Edward Lemon, professor at the Bush School in Washington, D.C. and president of the Oxus Society, and Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-central-asia-russia-climate-change/32596396.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-central-asia-russia-climate-change/32596396.html Sun, 17 Sep 2023 10:54:43 +0200 Bruce Pannier The presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan met in Dushanbe on September 14-15 at a time of great uncertainty in Central Asia. The ripple effects from Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine are changing the geopolitical landscape in Central Asia, even as climate change has already started affecting the physical landscape of the region as well. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at the Central Asian leaders’ discussions in Dushanbe are Edward Lemon, professor at the Bush School in Washington, D.C. and president of the Oxus Society, and Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin. 00:42:02 full Since late October 2022, when more than two dozen opposition politicians, activists, and journalists were detained, the Kyrgyz government has been going after perceived opponents and critics. Investigative journalist Bolot Temirov was deported in November; the government blocked RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service websites and froze its bank account from late October 2022 until July this year; and the campaign continues. Between August 28 and September 7, Kyrgyz authorities moved to shut down an independent media outlet, detained a leading opposition member of parliament, and prepared to strip the Constitutional Court of its powers over a previous ruling that supported women’s rights. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these recent moves by the Kyrgyz government to tighten its grip over the country are Erica Marat, an associate professor at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.; and Syinat Sultanalieva, Central Asia researcher for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at Human Rights Watch. https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-slide-into-authoritarianism/32586264.html https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-slide-into-authoritarianism/32586264.html Sun, 10 Sep 2023 10:23:48 +0200 Bruce Pannier Since late October 2022, when more than two dozen opposition politicians, activists, and journalists were detained, the Kyrgyz government has been going after perceived opponents and critics. Investigative journalist Bolot Temirov was deported in November; the government blocked RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service websites and froze its bank account from late October 2022 until July this year; and the campaign continues. Between August 28 and September 7, Kyrgyz authorities moved to shut down an independent media outlet, detained a leading opposition member of parliament, and prepared to strip the Constitutional Court of its powers over a previous ruling that supported women’s rights. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these recent moves by the Kyrgyz government to tighten its grip over the country are Erica Marat, an associate professor at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.; and Syinat Sultanalieva, Central Asia researcher for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at Human Rights Watch. 00:40:29 full Turkmenistan has added another dubious distinction to its reputation: methane gas super-emitter. Satellite images have shown massive methane gas emissions for the last two years. Turkmen authorities have hinted they are taking measures, but there doesn't seem to be any improvement. How is the situation affecting the health of the Turkmen people? Joining host Bruce Pannier are Kate Watters, co-founder and executive director at Crude Accountability, an organization working to protect the environmental and human rights of people in oil- and gas-producing countries such as Turkmenistan; and Aynabat Yaylymova, founder and executive director of the Progres Foundation, which has been working to improve public health literacy in Turkmenistan over the last 12 years. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-methane-gas-health/32576549.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-methane-gas-health/32576549.html Sun, 03 Sep 2023 10:59:29 +0200 Bruce Pannier Turkmenistan has added another dubious distinction to its reputation: methane gas super-emitter. Satellite images have shown massive methane gas emissions for the last two years. Turkmen authorities have hinted they are taking measures, but there doesn't seem to be any improvement. How is the situation affecting the health of the Turkmen people? Joining host Bruce Pannier are Kate Watters, co-founder and executive director at Crude Accountability, an organization working to protect the environmental and human rights of people in oil- and gas-producing countries such as Turkmenistan; and Aynabat Yaylymova, founder and executive director of the Progres Foundation, which has been working to improve public health literacy in Turkmenistan over the last 12 years. 00:42:57 full Kazakh officials are moving forward with plans to build the country’s first nuclear power plant, although unsurprisingly, there is public opposition. On August 29, 1949, the Soviet Union exploded its first atomic bomb over an area in northeastern Kazakhstan. Over the next 40 years, there were 455 more tests in the same area and the effects of the radiation continue to cause suffering today. Joining host Bruce Pannier to talk about Kazakhstan’s nuclear legacy is Togzhan Kassenova, author of the widely acclaimed book Atomic Steppe: How Kazakhstan Gave Up the Bomb. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-kazakhstan-nuclear-power-bombs/32566743.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-kazakhstan-nuclear-power-bombs/32566743.html Sun, 27 Aug 2023 11:16:07 +0200 Bruce Pannier Kazakh officials are moving forward with plans to build the country’s first nuclear power plant, although unsurprisingly, there is public opposition. On August 29, 1949, the Soviet Union exploded its first atomic bomb over an area in northeastern Kazakhstan. Over the next 40 years, there were 455 more tests in the same area and the effects of the radiation continue to cause suffering today. Joining host Bruce Pannier to talk about Kazakhstan’s nuclear legacy is Togzhan Kassenova, author of the widely acclaimed book Atomic Steppe: How Kazakhstan Gave Up the Bomb. 00:42:36 full Kyrgyzstan’s relations with Russia have been on a rollercoaster since the Kremlin launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022. At first, Kyrgyzstan seemed to support the Russian invasion but backtracked when it became apparent the war would go on for months or years. Signs still pointed to Kyrgyzstan siding with Russia until recently, when Russian officials started to publicly criticize Kyrgyzstan’s move to make Kyrgyz the language of state business and its decision to charge two Kyrgyz citizens for joining the fight in Ukraine as members of Russian mercenary forces. What is the state of Kyrgyz-Russian ties 18 months into Russia’s war in Ukraine? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this are guests: Bakyt Beshimov, a former member of the Kyrgyz parliament and currently a Global Studies and International Relations lecturer and professor at Northeastern University; Emil Joroev, PhD, a Bishkek-based independent political observer; and Medet Tiulegenov, Senior Research Fellow at the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-kyrgyz-russian-relations/32555962.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-kyrgyz-russian-relations/32555962.html Sun, 20 Aug 2023 10:40:33 +0200 Bruce Pannier Kyrgyzstan’s relations with Russia have been on a rollercoaster since the Kremlin launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022. At first, Kyrgyzstan seemed to support the Russian invasion but backtracked when it became apparent the war would go on for months or years. Signs still pointed to Kyrgyzstan siding with Russia until recently, when Russian officials started to publicly criticize Kyrgyzstan’s move to make Kyrgyz the language of state business and its decision to charge two Kyrgyz citizens for joining the fight in Ukraine as members of Russian mercenary forces. What is the state of Kyrgyz-Russian ties 18 months into Russia’s war in Ukraine? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this are guests: Bakyt Beshimov, a former member of the Kyrgyz parliament and currently a Global Studies and International Relations lecturer and professor at Northeastern University; Emil Joroev, PhD, a Bishkek-based independent political observer; and Medet Tiulegenov, Senior Research Fellow at the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek. 00:53:03 full Central Asian governments have become adept at transnational repression. Based on warrants from the Tajik government, Germany, Poland, and Belarus have this year extradited Tajik nationals to Tajikistan where they faced serious, and some say politically motivated charges. In Turkey, the situation for migrant laborers from Turkmenistan has become more complicated since the Turkmen government started paying closer attention to their activities. Joining host Bruce Pannier to shed more light on this issue are Leila Nazgul Seitbek, a lawyer living in exile in Europe and the chairwoman of the NGO Freedom For Eurasia; and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer and associate professor at the University of Southern California. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-central-asia-turkey-represssion/32546047.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-central-asia-turkey-represssion/32546047.html Sun, 13 Aug 2023 10:40:26 +0200 Bruce Pannier Central Asian governments have become adept at transnational repression. Based on warrants from the Tajik government, Germany, Poland, and Belarus have this year extradited Tajik nationals to Tajikistan where they faced serious, and some say politically motivated charges. In Turkey, the situation for migrant laborers from Turkmenistan has become more complicated since the Turkmen government started paying closer attention to their activities. Joining host Bruce Pannier to shed more light on this issue are Leila Nazgul Seitbek, a lawyer living in exile in Europe and the chairwoman of the NGO Freedom For Eurasia; and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer and associate professor at the University of Southern California. 00:48:58 full As the five Central Asian states prepare to mark their 32nd anniversary of independence, the region's future is far from clear. Governments promise reform but are changing legislation to benefit those in power, while the space for alternative views seems to be shrinking. What defines the Central Asian countries today, and where are they headed next? Joining host Bruce Pannier to explore these questions are guests Assel Tutumlu, originally from Kazakhstan but currently a lecturer at the Department of International Relations and Political Science at the Near East University in Nicosia, Cyprus; Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian studies at Glasgow University and author of several books on Central Asia; and Alexander Cooley, Claire Tow professor of political science and vice provost at Barnard College, former director of Columbia University’s Harriman Institute, and also an accomplished author on Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-present-future/32536282.html https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-present-future/32536282.html Sun, 06 Aug 2023 10:08:48 +0200 Bruce Pannier As the five Central Asian states prepare to mark their 32nd anniversary of independence, the region's future is far from clear. Governments promise reform but are changing legislation to benefit those in power, while the space for alternative views seems to be shrinking. What defines the Central Asian countries today, and where are they headed next? Joining host Bruce Pannier to explore these questions are guests Assel Tutumlu, originally from Kazakhstan but currently a lecturer at the Department of International Relations and Political Science at the Near East University in Nicosia, Cyprus; Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian studies at Glasgow University and author of several books on Central Asia; and Alexander Cooley, Claire Tow professor of political science and vice provost at Barnard College, former director of Columbia University’s Harriman Institute, and also an accomplished author on Central Asia. 01:04:08 full Resource scarcity has severely disrupted daily life across Central Asia this summer. Electricity failures have compelled Kyrgyzstan to declare a three-year energy emergency, starting on August 1. Additionally, much of the region is grappling with water shortages, which scientists say is the latest sign that Central Asia will be one of the regions hardest hit by climate change. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the water and power situation in Central Asia this summer are guests Nurzat Abdyrasulova, president and CEO of Bishkek-based strategic advisory firm Unison Group; Alisher Sidikov, the director of RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service, known locally as Ozodlik; and Farruh Yusupov, the director of RFE/RL’s Turkmen service, known locally as Azatlyk. https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-water-power-shortages/32526302.html https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-water-power-shortages/32526302.html Sun, 30 Jul 2023 10:36:39 +0200 Bruce Pannier Resource scarcity has severely disrupted daily life across Central Asia this summer. Electricity failures have compelled Kyrgyzstan to declare a three-year energy emergency, starting on August 1. Additionally, much of the region is grappling with water shortages, which scientists say is the latest sign that Central Asia will be one of the regions hardest hit by climate change. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the water and power situation in Central Asia this summer are guests Nurzat Abdyrasulova, president and CEO of Bishkek-based strategic advisory firm Unison Group; Alisher Sidikov, the director of RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service, known locally as Ozodlik; and Farruh Yusupov, the director of RFE/RL’s Turkmen service, known locally as Azatlyk. 00:50:31 full The presidents of the five Central Asian countries just traveled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the first-ever Gulf Cooperation Council-Central Asia summit. Ties between the two regions have been growing since Russia launched its full-scale war on Ukraine. What is changing in Central Asian-Arab relations and what lies ahead for cooperation between these regions? To explore these questions, host Bruce Pannier is joined by two experts: Aijan Sharshenova, research fellow at the Bishkek-based think tank Crossroads Central Asia; and Theodore Karasik, fellow on Russian and Middle Eastern affairs at the Washington, D.C.,-based Jamestown Foundation. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-arab-relations/32515401.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-arab-relations/32515401.html Sun, 23 Jul 2023 10:20:08 +0200 Bruce Pannier The presidents of the five Central Asian countries just traveled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the first-ever Gulf Cooperation Council-Central Asia summit. Ties between the two regions have been growing since Russia launched its full-scale war on Ukraine. What is changing in Central Asian-Arab relations and what lies ahead for cooperation between these regions? To explore these questions, host Bruce Pannier is joined by two experts: Aijan Sharshenova, research fellow at the Bishkek-based think tank Crossroads Central Asia; and Theodore Karasik, fellow on Russian and Middle Eastern affairs at the Washington, D.C.,-based Jamestown Foundation. 00:43:31 full UN experts released a press statement on July 4 that harshly criticizes Tajik authorities for misusing the law to convict rights defenders, activists, journalists, and others. The statement called on the Tajik government to stop using laws on extremism and terrorism to silence critics inside Tajikistan. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the deteriorating rights situation in Tajikistan are Mary Lawlor, UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders, and Nazila Ghanea, UN special rapporteur for freedom of religion and belief. Both were in Tajikistan on fact-finding missions in recent months. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-tajikistan-rights/32505690.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-tajikistan-rights/32505690.html Sun, 16 Jul 2023 10:31:25 +0200 Bruce Pannier UN experts released a press statement on July 4 that harshly criticizes Tajik authorities for misusing the law to convict rights defenders, activists, journalists, and others. The statement called on the Tajik government to stop using laws on extremism and terrorism to silence critics inside Tajikistan. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the deteriorating rights situation in Tajikistan are Mary Lawlor, UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders, and Nazila Ghanea, UN special rapporteur for freedom of religion and belief. Both were in Tajikistan on fact-finding missions in recent months. 00:37:40 full When Shavkat Mirziyoev became Uzbekistan's president in late 2016, he promised that the "old ways" of governing the country were over, and that he would lift restrictions on the media. He even encouraged journalists to report on issues that needed correcting in society and in governance. The Uzbek Forum for Human Rights recently released a report, The President's Broken Promises Put Journalists and Bloggers At Risk, that looks at some of the cases of journalists and bloggers who ran afoul of the authorities for their reporting in the "new" Uzbekistan. Joining host Bruce Pannier are Umida Niyazova, director at the Germany-based Uzbek Forum for Human Rights, and Matthew Schaaf, the advocacy director at the Washington-based organization Freedom Now. https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-media-broken-promises/32495520.html https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-media-broken-promises/32495520.html Sun, 09 Jul 2023 10:44:54 +0200 Bruce Pannier When Shavkat Mirziyoev became Uzbekistan's president in late 2016, he promised that the "old ways" of governing the country were over, and that he would lift restrictions on the media. He even encouraged journalists to report on issues that needed correcting in society and in governance. The Uzbek Forum for Human Rights recently released a report, The President's Broken Promises Put Journalists and Bloggers At Risk, that looks at some of the cases of journalists and bloggers who ran afoul of the authorities for their reporting in the "new" Uzbekistan. Joining host Bruce Pannier are Umida Niyazova, director at the Germany-based Uzbek Forum for Human Rights, and Matthew Schaaf, the advocacy director at the Washington-based organization Freedom Now. 00:44:57 full On July 1, 2022, thousands of people in Karakalpakstan took to the streets to demonstrate against proposed changes to Uzbekistan’s constitution which, if enacted, would have stripped the region of its status as a sovereign republic with the right to secede. When police and security forces moved to disperse the peaceful protesters, violence broke out. At least 21 people were killed. What has happened in the year since the Karakalpakstan tragedy? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are Gulyaim Ahmedova, a pseudonym for a native of Karakalpakstan now living outside Uzbekistan; Joanna Lillis, a veteran Central Asia journalist who has been in Karakalpakstan several times since the violence; and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer who has spent many years focusing on Central Asia, and is currently an associate professor at the University of Southern California. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-karakalpakstan-violence-anniversary-uzbekistan-constitution/32485854.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-karakalpakstan-violence-anniversary-uzbekistan-constitution/32485854.html Sun, 02 Jul 2023 11:35:34 +0200 Bruce Pannier On July 1, 2022, thousands of people in Karakalpakstan took to the streets to demonstrate against proposed changes to Uzbekistan’s constitution which, if enacted, would have stripped the region of its status as a sovereign republic with the right to secede. When police and security forces moved to disperse the peaceful protesters, violence broke out. At least 21 people were killed. What has happened in the year since the Karakalpakstan tragedy? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are Gulyaim Ahmedova, a pseudonym for a native of Karakalpakstan now living outside Uzbekistan; Joanna Lillis, a veteran Central Asia journalist who has been in Karakalpakstan several times since the violence; and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer who has spent many years focusing on Central Asia, and is currently an associate professor at the University of Southern California. 00:49:20 full The Kazakh government keeps a close eye on the activities of religious communities in the country, including online posts. So-called nontraditional groups that are not part of state-sanctioned versions of Islam or Russian Orthodox teachings receive additional scrutiny. A delegation from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom visited Kazakhstan in May and found that “institutional issues in Kazakhstan remain unaddressed.” Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are Nury Turkel, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and author of the book No Escape: The True Story of China's Genocide of the Uyghurs; and Felix Corley, editor at Forum 18, one of the leading sources of information on violations of religious freedoms in countries around the world. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-kazakhstan-religious-freedom/32474901.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-kazakhstan-religious-freedom/32474901.html Sun, 25 Jun 2023 10:11:09 +0200 Bruce Pannier The Kazakh government keeps a close eye on the activities of religious communities in the country, including online posts. So-called nontraditional groups that are not part of state-sanctioned versions of Islam or Russian Orthodox teachings receive additional scrutiny. A delegation from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom visited Kazakhstan in May and found that “institutional issues in Kazakhstan remain unaddressed.” Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are Nury Turkel, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and author of the book No Escape: The True Story of China's Genocide of the Uyghurs; and Felix Corley, editor at Forum 18, one of the leading sources of information on violations of religious freedoms in countries around the world. 00:40:10 full A recent article from the American Political Science Association (APSA) examined how the words used to describe Central Asia sometimes reinforce the region’s image as being part of Russia or the Soviet Union. Amid growing awareness of Central Asia’s colonial history, some argue it is time to move beyond terms such as “post-Soviet,” “near abroad,” or “Russia’s backyard” when referring to Central Asia today. Join host Bruce Pannier for a thought-provoking conversation on decolonizing Central Asian discourse with the co-authors of the APSA article: Botakoz Kassymbekova, a lecturer and assistant professor of modern history at the University of Basel; and Erica Marat, a professor at the National Defense University’s College of International Security Affairs. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-colonialism-language/32464426.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-colonialism-language/32464426.html Sun, 18 Jun 2023 10:00:11 +0200 Bruce Pannier A recent article from the American Political Science Association (APSA) examined how the words used to describe Central Asia sometimes reinforce the region’s image as being part of Russia or the Soviet Union. Amid growing awareness of Central Asia’s colonial history, some argue it is time to move beyond terms such as “post-Soviet,” “near abroad,” or “Russia’s backyard” when referring to Central Asia today. Join host Bruce Pannier for a thought-provoking conversation on decolonizing Central Asian discourse with the co-authors of the APSA article: Botakoz Kassymbekova, a lecturer and assistant professor of modern history at the University of Basel; and Erica Marat, a professor at the National Defense University’s College of International Security Affairs. 00:47:13 full Peaceful protests calling for governmental reform in Kazakhstan in early January 2022 were hijacked by unidentified groups who deliberately sparked violence. Authorities in several large cities of southern Kazakhstan lost control of the situation, which became known as “Bloody January,” resulting in hundreds of casualties. To end the chaos, Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev gave a “shoot to kill” order. On June 5, a coalition of Kazakh rights groups released a detailed report about the legality of such an order, the detentions, and the subsequent investigations and trials of suspects. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at the findings of the report are guests Tatiana Chernobil, a member of the Documentation Centre of the Human Rights Alliance for Fundamental Freedoms, which produced the report; Mihra Rittmann, senior Central Asia researcher on Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for Human Rights Watch; and Yevgeniy Zhovtis, director of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-bloody-january-report/32454223.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-bloody-january-report/32454223.html Sun, 11 Jun 2023 10:57:06 +0200 Bruce Pannier Peaceful protests calling for governmental reform in Kazakhstan in early January 2022 were hijacked by unidentified groups who deliberately sparked violence. Authorities in several large cities of southern Kazakhstan lost control of the situation, which became known as “Bloody January,” resulting in hundreds of casualties. To end the chaos, Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev gave a “shoot to kill” order. On June 5, a coalition of Kazakh rights groups released a detailed report about the legality of such an order, the detentions, and the subsequent investigations and trials of suspects. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at the findings of the report are guests Tatiana Chernobil, a member of the Documentation Centre of the Human Rights Alliance for Fundamental Freedoms, which produced the report; Mihra Rittmann, senior Central Asia researcher on Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for Human Rights Watch; and Yevgeniy Zhovtis, director of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law. 00:45:01 full There are draft laws currently before Kyrgyzstan's parliament that, if enacted, would greatly restrict the work of nongovernmental organizations receiving foreign funding and place tight control over media. Such laws, including a "foreign agent" law, have been proposed before. This time it appears likely they will be adopted. Kyrgyzstan has been credited as the most democratic country in Central Asia, but these laws would make the country no better than its neighbors, and possibly worse than some. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss what these draft laws would change are Svetlana Dzardanova, a human rights and corruption researcher at Freedom for Eurasia; and Syinat Sultanalieva, a Central Asia researcher focused on Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at Human Rights Watch. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-foreign-agents/32443972.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-foreign-agents/32443972.html Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:20:03 +0200 Bruce Pannier There are draft laws currently before Kyrgyzstan's parliament that, if enacted, would greatly restrict the work of nongovernmental organizations receiving foreign funding and place tight control over media. Such laws, including a "foreign agent" law, have been proposed before. This time it appears likely they will be adopted. Kyrgyzstan has been credited as the most democratic country in Central Asia, but these laws would make the country no better than its neighbors, and possibly worse than some. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss what these draft laws would change are Svetlana Dzardanova, a human rights and corruption researcher at Freedom for Eurasia; and Syinat Sultanalieva, a Central Asia researcher focused on Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at Human Rights Watch. 00:42:24 full Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine is capturing much of the world’s attention, but Central Asia is more concerned about what's happening south of the border in Afghanistan. There are several militant groups in northern Afghanistan who hope to topple the Tajik and Uzbek governments. Some of these groups are allies of the Taliban, whereas others are not. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at these militant groups and the security implications for Central Asia are Lucas Webber, a researcher focusing on transnational militant movements who has written extensively on jihadist and extremist groups and is also co-founder and editor of MilitantWire.com; and Riccardo Valle, director of research at the Islamabad-based research and news platform The Khorasan Diary and an expert on international jihadist networks, particularly those in Afghanistan and Pakistan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-afghan-militant-groups-central-asia/32431377.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-afghan-militant-groups-central-asia/32431377.html Sun, 28 May 2023 10:06:06 +0200 Bruce Pannier Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine is capturing much of the world’s attention, but Central Asia is more concerned about what's happening south of the border in Afghanistan. There are several militant groups in northern Afghanistan who hope to topple the Tajik and Uzbek governments. Some of these groups are allies of the Taliban, whereas others are not. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at these militant groups and the security implications for Central Asia are Lucas Webber, a researcher focusing on transnational militant movements who has written extensively on jihadist and extremist groups and is also co-founder and editor of MilitantWire.com; and Riccardo Valle, director of research at the Islamabad-based research and news platform The Khorasan Diary and an expert on international jihadist networks, particularly those in Afghanistan and Pakistan. 00:39:20 full The Central Asian and Chinese presidents met at a summit in Xian, China, on May 18-19. This was the first-ever summit of just the Central Asian and Chinese leaders and it comes as the six countries’ foreign policies are evolving to cope with the political fallout from Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine. What did the Xian summit tell us about Central Asian-Chinese relations and the direction those relations are headed? Joining host Bruce Pannier are Giulia Sciorati, postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Trento in Italy, whose research focuses on memory and culture in diplomacy, particularly in China’s relations with Central Asia; and Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-china-central-asia-summit-ukraine-relations/32421143.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-china-central-asia-summit-ukraine-relations/32421143.html Sun, 21 May 2023 09:54:03 +0200 Bruce Pannier The Central Asian and Chinese presidents met at a summit in Xian, China, on May 18-19. This was the first-ever summit of just the Central Asian and Chinese leaders and it comes as the six countries’ foreign policies are evolving to cope with the political fallout from Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine. What did the Xian summit tell us about Central Asian-Chinese relations and the direction those relations are headed? Joining host Bruce Pannier are Giulia Sciorati, postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Trento in Italy, whose research focuses on memory and culture in diplomacy, particularly in China’s relations with Central Asia; and Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. 00:40:40 full Since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine, Central Asian states have been working to lessen their dependence on their former colonizer. Yet all five Central Asian leaders went to Moscow this year for the May 9 Victory Day parade, four on very short notice. And all five will be in China on May-18-19. So in terms of geopolitics: where is Central Asia now? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are Nargis Kassenova, senior fellow and director of the program on Central Asia at Harvard Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies; Paul Stronski, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment’s Russia and Eurasia program; and Francis Olmos, senior researcher in Central Asian affairs at Spain’s GEOPOL 21 Center. https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-geopolitics-russia-china/32411059.html https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-geopolitics-russia-china/32411059.html Sun, 14 May 2023 10:29:15 +0200 RFE/RL Since Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine, Central Asian states have been working to lessen their dependence on their former colonizer. Yet all five Central Asian leaders went to Moscow this year for the May 9 Victory Day parade, four on very short notice. And all five will be in China on May-18-19. So in terms of geopolitics: where is Central Asia now? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss are Nargis Kassenova, senior fellow and director of the program on Central Asia at Harvard Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies; Paul Stronski, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment’s Russia and Eurasia program; and Francis Olmos, senior researcher in Central Asian affairs at Spain’s GEOPOL 21 Center. 00:44:51 full In mid-May 2022, the Tajik government initiated a brutal crackdown on the people of eastern Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan region: the Pamiris. Pamiris are ethnically and culturally distinct from Tajiks; and unlike most Tajiks who are Sunni Muslims, Pamiris are Shi’ite. Dozens of Pamiris have been killed, more than 100 imprisoned, and over the course of the last year, there has been a systematic destruction of Pamiri culture in Gorno-Badakhshan. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at the repressive targeting of Pamiris are guests Suzanne Levi-Sanchez, author of the book Bridging State And Civil Society: Informal Organizations In Tajik/Afghan Badakhshan and Bakhtiyor Safarov, founder of Central Asia Consulting in the United States, who is originally from Gorno-Badakhshan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan--pamiris-gbao-pannier/32400480.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan--pamiris-gbao-pannier/32400480.html Sun, 07 May 2023 10:28:29 +0200 Bruce Pannier In mid-May 2022, the Tajik government initiated a brutal crackdown on the people of eastern Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan region: the Pamiris. Pamiris are ethnically and culturally distinct from Tajiks; and unlike most Tajiks who are Sunni Muslims, Pamiris are Shi’ite. Dozens of Pamiris have been killed, more than 100 imprisoned, and over the course of the last year, there has been a systematic destruction of Pamiri culture in Gorno-Badakhshan. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look at the repressive targeting of Pamiris are guests Suzanne Levi-Sanchez, author of the book Bridging State And Civil Society: Informal Organizations In Tajik/Afghan Badakhshan and Bakhtiyor Safarov, founder of Central Asia Consulting in the United States, who is originally from Gorno-Badakhshan. 00:38:06 full A recent Oxus Society report on Kyrgyzstan’s resource nationalism raises questions concerning officials’ messaging about the economic value of extracted mineral wealth and environmental conservation. The report finds that Kyrgyzstan’s vast gold reserves have enriched only a select few, and mining has caused irreparable ecological damage. Authorities often target those who object to mining projects. How is resource nationalism creating slow violence in Kyrgyzstan? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this are the authors of the Oxus Society report Beril Ocakli, who leads the research project China, The EU And Economic Development In Eastern Europe And Eurasia at the Berlin-based Center for East European and International Studies; and Vincent Artman, professor of geography and peace and conflict studies at Wayne State University and the University of Delaware. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-gold-mining-kyrgyzstan-resource-nationalism/32385779.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-gold-mining-kyrgyzstan-resource-nationalism/32385779.html Sun, 30 Apr 2023 10:16:34 +0200 Bruce Pannier A recent Oxus Society report on Kyrgyzstan’s resource nationalism raises questions concerning officials’ messaging about the economic value of extracted mineral wealth and environmental conservation. The report finds that Kyrgyzstan’s vast gold reserves have enriched only a select few, and mining has caused irreparable ecological damage. Authorities often target those who object to mining projects. How is resource nationalism creating slow violence in Kyrgyzstan? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this are the authors of the Oxus Society report Beril Ocakli, who leads the research project China, The EU And Economic Development In Eastern Europe And Eurasia at the Berlin-based Center for East European and International Studies; and Vincent Artman, professor of geography and peace and conflict studies at Wayne State University and the University of Delaware. 00:49:51 full There is a national referendum on April 30 in Uzbekistan to approve amendments to roughly 65 percent of the 1992 constitution. Among the changes is one that would allow incumbent President Shavkat Mirziyoev to stay in office until 2040. While headline-grabbing, this is not the only significant change under consideration. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss what the constitutional changes mean for Uzbekistan’s future are guests Navbahor Imamova, correspondent for the Uzbek service at Voice of America; Alisher Ilkhamov, director of Central Asia Due Diligence; and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer with many years of experience in Central Asia who is currently an associate professor at the University of Southern California. https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-constitution-mirziyoev-amendments/32375763.html https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-constitution-mirziyoev-amendments/32375763.html Sun, 23 Apr 2023 10:31:06 +0200 Bruce Pannier There is a national referendum on April 30 in Uzbekistan to approve amendments to roughly 65 percent of the 1992 constitution. Among the changes is one that would allow incumbent President Shavkat Mirziyoev to stay in office until 2040. While headline-grabbing, this is not the only significant change under consideration. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss what the constitutional changes mean for Uzbekistan’s future are guests Navbahor Imamova, correspondent for the Uzbek service at Voice of America; Alisher Ilkhamov, director of Central Asia Due Diligence; and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer with many years of experience in Central Asia who is currently an associate professor at the University of Southern California. 00:52:50 full Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev says he is creating a new Kazakhstan. But when unemployed oil workers from the western city of Zhanaozen made their way to the capital, Astana, on April 9, Kazakh authorities dealt with the issue in the same old way. What does the recent demonstration in Astana tell us about the government’s vision of a new Kazakhstan? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the old methods of new Kazakhstan are guests Assel Tutumlu, lecturer at the Department of International Relations and Political Science at the Near East University in Nicosia, and Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian Studies at Glasgow University. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-oil-workers-new-kazakhstan/32365985.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-oil-workers-new-kazakhstan/32365985.html Sun, 16 Apr 2023 11:32:28 +0200 Bruce Pannier Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev says he is creating a new Kazakhstan. But when unemployed oil workers from the western city of Zhanaozen made their way to the capital, Astana, on April 9, Kazakh authorities dealt with the issue in the same old way. What does the recent demonstration in Astana tell us about the government’s vision of a new Kazakhstan? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the old methods of new Kazakhstan are guests Assel Tutumlu, lecturer at the Department of International Relations and Political Science at the Near East University in Nicosia, and Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian Studies at Glasgow University. 00:51:04 full A milestone was reached in Uzbekistan on April 6 when the country’s upper house of parliament passed a bill criminalizing domestic violence and strengthening laws that aim to curb abuse against women and children. It was a long process, involving many people to get this legislation so far. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss what the draft law contains and the work that went into guiding the bill all the way through parliament are three of the women who played leading roles in the process: Nozima Davletova, the chairperson of Uzbekistan’s Mass Media Foundation; Dilfuza Kurolova, a human rights lawyer and activist for gender equality; and Irina Matvienko, a feminist activist and founder of NeMolchi.uz, an organization dedicated to ending gender violence and promoting sexual equality. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-pannier-uzbekistan-domestic-violence-law/32355981.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-pannier-uzbekistan-domestic-violence-law/32355981.html Sun, 09 Apr 2023 11:01:29 +0200 Bruce Pannier A milestone was reached in Uzbekistan on April 6 when the country’s upper house of parliament passed a bill criminalizing domestic violence and strengthening laws that aim to curb abuse against women and children. It was a long process, involving many people to get this legislation so far. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss what the draft law contains and the work that went into guiding the bill all the way through parliament are three of the women who played leading roles in the process: Nozima Davletova, the chairperson of Uzbekistan’s Mass Media Foundation; Dilfuza Kurolova, a human rights lawyer and activist for gender equality; and Irina Matvienko, a feminist activist and founder of NeMolchi.uz, an organization dedicated to ending gender violence and promoting sexual equality. 00:38:57 full The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, which some governments in Central Asia expected to complicate relations with their southern neighbor. Four Central Asian countries opened a dialogue with the Taliban, but the Tajik government did not. While there have been tensions, a Taliban delegation visited Tajikistan recently. Elsewhere, an Afghan water canal project threatens to sour the Taliban’s ties with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these developments are Salimjon Aioubov, director of RFE/RL’s Tajik Service; Farruh Yusupov, director of RFE/RL’s Turkmen Service; and Alisher Sidikov, director of RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-taliban-relations-central-asia/32345891.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-taliban-relations-central-asia/32345891.html Sun, 02 Apr 2023 10:28:38 +0200 Bruce Pannier The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, which some governments in Central Asia expected to complicate relations with their southern neighbor. Four Central Asian countries opened a dialogue with the Taliban, but the Tajik government did not. While there have been tensions, a Taliban delegation visited Tajikistan recently. Elsewhere, an Afghan water canal project threatens to sour the Taliban’s ties with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these developments are Salimjon Aioubov, director of RFE/RL’s Tajik Service; Farruh Yusupov, director of RFE/RL’s Turkmen Service; and Alisher Sidikov, director of RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service. 00:37:46 full For more than a decade, Gulnara Karimova, the eldest daughter of Uzbekistan's first president, illegally amassed a fortune in assets and property, both in Uzbekistan and abroad, estimated to total in the billions of dollars. How Karimova managed to accumulate her fortune and who helped her is the subject of a recently released Freedom for Eurasia report. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss Karimova's ill-gotten gains and her foreign facilitators are the three primary report authors: Leila Nazgul Seitbek, chairwoman and founder of Freedom for Eurasia; Kristian Lasslett, professor of criminology at the University of Ulster; and Thomas Mayne, research fellow at the University of Oxford. https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-karimova-foreign-helpers/32334898.html https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-karimova-foreign-helpers/32334898.html Sun, 26 Mar 2023 12:34:57 +0200 RFE/RL For more than a decade, Gulnara Karimova, the eldest daughter of Uzbekistan's first president, illegally amassed a fortune in assets and property, both in Uzbekistan and abroad, estimated to total in the billions of dollars. How Karimova managed to accumulate her fortune and who helped her is the subject of a recently released Freedom for Eurasia report. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss Karimova's ill-gotten gains and her foreign facilitators are the three primary report authors: Leila Nazgul Seitbek, chairwoman and founder of Freedom for Eurasia; Kristian Lasslett, professor of criminology at the University of Ulster; and Thomas Mayne, research fellow at the University of Oxford. 01:00:35 full Serdar Berdymukhammedov was elected president of Turkmenistan in March 2022, taking over the position from his father in Central Asia’s first dynastic transfer of power since independence in late 1991. Expectations were low for any significant changes, but there have been a few surprises. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss Serdar’s first year as president are guests Aynabat Yaylymova, founder and executive director of the Progres Foundation, which supports progressive, educational initiatives that benefit the public in Turkmenistan, and Victoria Clement, a scholar and historian who lived in Turkmenistan and authored the book Learning To Become Turkmen: Literacy, Language, And Power, 1914-2014. https://www.rferl.org/a/32325045.html https://www.rferl.org/a/32325045.html Sun, 19 Mar 2023 12:30:23 +0100 RFE/RL Serdar Berdymukhammedov was elected president of Turkmenistan in March 2022, taking over the position from his father in Central Asia’s first dynastic transfer of power since independence in late 1991. Expectations were low for any significant changes, but there have been a few surprises. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss Serdar’s first year as president are guests Aynabat Yaylymova, founder and executive director of the Progres Foundation, which supports progressive, educational initiatives that benefit the public in Turkmenistan, and Victoria Clement, a scholar and historian who lived in Turkmenistan and authored the book Learning To Become Turkmen: Literacy, Language, And Power, 1914-2014. 00:45:55 full On March 19, voters in Kazakhstan will go to the polls to elect members of the Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament. As a result of constitutional amendments approved in 2022, a limited number of seats are open to independent candidates. How else are the new constitutional changes affecting these elections? Does the public see any difference? What are the expectations for winning candidates? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this and more are Paolo Sorbello, the English-language editor at the Kazakh independent media outlet vlast.kz, and Darkhan Umirbekov, digital editor at the Astana bureau of RFE/RL’s Kazakh service, known locally as Azattyq. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-parliamentary-elections-pannier/32314165.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-parliamentary-elections-pannier/32314165.html Sun, 12 Mar 2023 12:26:16 +0100 Bruce Pannier On March 19, voters in Kazakhstan will go to the polls to elect members of the Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament. As a result of constitutional amendments approved in 2022, a limited number of seats are open to independent candidates. How else are the new constitutional changes affecting these elections? Does the public see any difference? What are the expectations for winning candidates? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this and more are Paolo Sorbello, the English-language editor at the Kazakh independent media outlet vlast.kz, and Darkhan Umirbekov, digital editor at the Astana bureau of RFE/RL’s Kazakh service, known locally as Azattyq. 00:34:25 full For many women in Central Asia, International Women’s Day on March 8 holds no meaning. Too many women and girls in the region are already victims of violence, often on a regular basis, and cases of sexual violence and domestic abuse are growing. What's being done to end the violence? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this topic are Najla Ayoubi, a lawyer and former judge in Afghanistan who is currently chief of coalition and global programs at the Every Woman Coalition; Gulbakhor Makhkamova, head of the Gulrukhsor Crisis Center and Women’s Shelter located in Khujand, Tajikistan; and Leila Nazgul Seitbek, chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia and a member of the working group for the global treaty to end all forms of violence women and girls. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-violence-women-girls/32300148.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-violence-women-girls/32300148.html Sun, 05 Mar 2023 11:14:06 +0100 Bruce Pannier For many women in Central Asia, International Women’s Day on March 8 holds no meaning. Too many women and girls in the region are already victims of violence, often on a regular basis, and cases of sexual violence and domestic abuse are growing. What's being done to end the violence? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this topic are Najla Ayoubi, a lawyer and former judge in Afghanistan who is currently chief of coalition and global programs at the Every Woman Coalition; Gulbakhor Makhkamova, head of the Gulrukhsor Crisis Center and Women’s Shelter located in Khujand, Tajikistan; and Leila Nazgul Seitbek, chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia and a member of the working group for the global treaty to end all forms of violence women and girls. 00:52:43 full It’s been one year since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a massive, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The impact of that decision has been felt acutely in Central Asia, a region with a long history of Russian involvement. How has Moscow's war in Ukraine affected Russia’s ties with Central Asia? Has it changed how people in Central Asia view their former colonizer? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the changes in Russian-Central Asian relations in the past year are Erica Marat, a professor of political science at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., and Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-ukraine-war-russia-central-asian-relations/32288747.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-ukraine-war-russia-central-asian-relations/32288747.html Sun, 26 Feb 2023 11:44:24 +0100 Bruce Pannier It’s been one year since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a massive, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The impact of that decision has been felt acutely in Central Asia, a region with a long history of Russian involvement. How has Moscow's war in Ukraine affected Russia’s ties with Central Asia? Has it changed how people in Central Asia view their former colonizer? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the changes in Russian-Central Asian relations in the past year are Erica Marat, a professor of political science at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., and Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. 00:40:41 full Women and girls in Central Asia who are victims of sexual violence have little chance of obtaining justice. The laws work against them. Society often works against them. The organization Equality Now, which specializes in human rights, sex discriminatory laws, and gender equality has released a report on sexual violence laws in Eurasia that includes findings from Central Asia. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this topic are Janette Akhilgova, Eurasia consultant at Equality Now; Dilfuza Kurolova, a human rights lawyer and activist for gender equality from Uzbekistan; and Subhiya Mastonshoeva, a researcher with thematic experience in human rights, gender, and justice issues including prevention and response to violence against women and girls in Tajikistan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-sexual-violence/32278132.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-sexual-violence/32278132.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 11:06:01 +0100 Bruce Pannier Women and girls in Central Asia who are victims of sexual violence have little chance of obtaining justice. The laws work against them. Society often works against them. The organization Equality Now, which specializes in human rights, sex discriminatory laws, and gender equality has released a report on sexual violence laws in Eurasia that includes findings from Central Asia. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss this topic are Janette Akhilgova, Eurasia consultant at Equality Now; Dilfuza Kurolova, a human rights lawyer and activist for gender equality from Uzbekistan; and Subhiya Mastonshoeva, a researcher with thematic experience in human rights, gender, and justice issues including prevention and response to violence against women and girls in Tajikistan. 00:42:27 full On January 31, all 22 defendants were found guilty at the end of trials connected to the violence that left at least 21 people dead in Uzbekistan’s western region of Karakalpakstan. One of the defendants died in custody four days later. Uzbek authorities have been trying to demonstrate a new openness in judicial proceedings, including livestreaming some of the court sessions. But most of the testimony, the confessions, and the verdicts looked to some people like the managed trials of Uzbek authorities 15 or 20 years ago. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the Karakalpak trials are Alisher Ilkhamov, director of Central Asia Due Diligence, and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer who has spent many years focusing on Central Asia and who is currently teaching at the University of Southern California. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-karakalpakstan-trials/32267597.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-karakalpakstan-trials/32267597.html Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:59:37 +0100 Bruce Pannier On January 31, all 22 defendants were found guilty at the end of trials connected to the violence that left at least 21 people dead in Uzbekistan’s western region of Karakalpakstan. One of the defendants died in custody four days later. Uzbek authorities have been trying to demonstrate a new openness in judicial proceedings, including livestreaming some of the court sessions. But most of the testimony, the confessions, and the verdicts looked to some people like the managed trials of Uzbek authorities 15 or 20 years ago. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the Karakalpak trials are Alisher Ilkhamov, director of Central Asia Due Diligence, and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer who has spent many years focusing on Central Asia and who is currently teaching at the University of Southern California. 00:43:50 full For some 30 years, Kyrgyzstan has had the reputation of being the most democratic country in Central Asia. That is changing quickly. A new constitution approved in 2021 gave President Sadyr Japarov sweeping powers, and he has been using these to clamp down on political opposition, civil society, and independent media. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the dramatic events unfolding in Kyrgyzstan are, Gulnoza Said, head of the Europe and Central Asia program at the Committee to Protect Journalists, Syinat Sultanalieva, Central Asia researcher for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at Human Rights Watch, and Bakyt Beshimov, a former member of Kyrgyzstan’s parliament and a former ambassador to the OSCE who currently teaches at Northeastern University. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-autocracy/32256313.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-autocracy/32256313.html Sun, 05 Feb 2023 11:21:37 +0100 Bruce Pannier For some 30 years, Kyrgyzstan has had the reputation of being the most democratic country in Central Asia. That is changing quickly. A new constitution approved in 2021 gave President Sadyr Japarov sweeping powers, and he has been using these to clamp down on political opposition, civil society, and independent media. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the dramatic events unfolding in Kyrgyzstan are, Gulnoza Said, head of the Europe and Central Asia program at the Committee to Protect Journalists, Syinat Sultanalieva, Central Asia researcher for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at Human Rights Watch, and Bakyt Beshimov, a former member of Kyrgyzstan’s parliament and a former ambassador to the OSCE who currently teaches at Northeastern University. 00:42:54 full For the first time in the history of independent Turkmenistan, the president is not the most powerful person in the country. Serdar Berdymukhammedov lost many of his powers as president when the Turkmen parliament passed amendments to its constitution on January 21. The head of the government in Turkmenistan now is the chairman of the People’s Council, Serdar’s father, former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss what just happened in Turkmenistan, and why, are Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian Studies at Glasgow University and author of the book Turkmenistan's Foreign Policy: Positive Neutrality And The Consolidation Of The Turkmen Regime; and Farruh Yusupov, the head of RFE/RL’s Turkmen Service, known locally as Azatlyk. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-berdymukhammedov-constitution/32244643.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-berdymukhammedov-constitution/32244643.html Sun, 29 Jan 2023 11:32:44 +0100 Bruce Pannier For the first time in the history of independent Turkmenistan, the president is not the most powerful person in the country. Serdar Berdymukhammedov lost many of his powers as president when the Turkmen parliament passed amendments to its constitution on January 21. The head of the government in Turkmenistan now is the chairman of the People’s Council, Serdar’s father, former President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss what just happened in Turkmenistan, and why, are Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian Studies at Glasgow University and author of the book Turkmenistan's Foreign Policy: Positive Neutrality And The Consolidation Of The Turkmen Regime; and Farruh Yusupov, the head of RFE/RL’s Turkmen Service, known locally as Azatlyk. 00:37:21 full On January 16, Tashkent mayor Jahongir Ortikhojaev was abruptly fired for failing to prepare the Uzbek capital city for the unusually harsh winter. In office since 2018, he was often the subject of controversy, once threatening to “disappear” a journalist. But Artikhojaev was close to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev, and therefore seemed untouchable. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss what went wrong for Artikhojaev are Dilmira Matyakubowa, a Ph.D researcher in criminology and co-director of UzInvestigations; Navbahor Imamova, a veteran correspondent for the Uzbek Service at Voice of America; and Sirojiddin Tolibov, managing editor of RFERL’s Tajik Service, known locally as Ozodi, who has also been closely following events in Uzbekistan for many years. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tashkent-mayor-fired-ortikhojaev/32234406.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tashkent-mayor-fired-ortikhojaev/32234406.html Sun, 22 Jan 2023 11:25:53 +0100 Bruce Pannier On January 16, Tashkent mayor Jahongir Ortikhojaev was abruptly fired for failing to prepare the Uzbek capital city for the unusually harsh winter. In office since 2018, he was often the subject of controversy, once threatening to “disappear” a journalist. But Artikhojaev was close to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev, and therefore seemed untouchable. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss what went wrong for Artikhojaev are Dilmira Matyakubowa, a Ph.D researcher in criminology and co-director of UzInvestigations; Navbahor Imamova, a veteran correspondent for the Uzbek Service at Voice of America; and Sirojiddin Tolibov, managing editor of RFERL’s Tajik Service, known locally as Ozodi, who has also been closely following events in Uzbekistan for many years. 00:47:18 full Turkmenistan has long had a poor reputation for human rights. But recently, two activists whose cases received international attention were freed. This episode of the Majlis podcast looks at some of activists who have languished in Turkmen prisons and examines whether anything has changed since a new president took over in March 2022. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these topics are Rachel Denber, deputy director of HRW's Europe and Central Asia division; Ivar Dale, senior policy adviser at the Norwegian Helsinki Committee; and Farruh Yusupov, director of RFE/RL’s Turkmen service, known locally as Azatlyk. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-human-rights/32224219.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-human-rights/32224219.html Sun, 15 Jan 2023 11:29:23 +0100 Bruce Pannier Turkmenistan has long had a poor reputation for human rights. But recently, two activists whose cases received international attention were freed. This episode of the Majlis podcast looks at some of activists who have languished in Turkmen prisons and examines whether anything has changed since a new president took over in March 2022. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these topics are Rachel Denber, deputy director of HRW's Europe and Central Asia division; Ivar Dale, senior policy adviser at the Norwegian Helsinki Committee; and Farruh Yusupov, director of RFE/RL’s Turkmen service, known locally as Azatlyk. 00:41:25 full This week, Kazakhstan marked the first anniversary of what some call, in Kazakh, “Qandy Qantar,” or “Bloody January.” At least 238 people were killed in a crackdown on nationwide protests. One year later, there are still many questions about what happened and who was responsible. There are also questions about whether Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev’s government has made the necessary adjustments to prevent a repeat of the January 2022 violence. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these topics are William Courtney, former U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan; Vyacheslav Arbamov, founder of the Vlast.kz news outlet in Kazakhstan; and Aigerim Toleukhanova, a freelance journalist from Kazakhstan and co-host of Eurasianet’s EurasiaChat podcast. https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-anniversary-bloody-january/32214252.html https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-anniversary-bloody-january/32214252.html Sun, 08 Jan 2023 10:56:11 +0100 RFE/RL This week, Kazakhstan marked the first anniversary of what some call, in Kazakh, “Qandy Qantar,” or “Bloody January.” At least 238 people were killed in a crackdown on nationwide protests. One year later, there are still many questions about what happened and who was responsible. There are also questions about whether Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev’s government has made the necessary adjustments to prevent a repeat of the January 2022 violence. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these topics are William Courtney, former U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan; Vyacheslav Arbamov, founder of the Vlast.kz news outlet in Kazakhstan; and Aigerim Toleukhanova, a freelance journalist from Kazakhstan and co-host of Eurasianet’s EurasiaChat podcast. 00:50:04 full The Central Asian states have never experienced anything like the year 2022. There were protests that turned deadly in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; fighting between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan that left more than 100 people dead; political and economic fallout from Russia's war on Ukraine that affected all five Central Asian countries; presidential elections in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan; and much more. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look back at a year that in many ways reshaped and redirected the course of Central Asia are Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian studies at Glasgow University; Catherine Putz, managing editor at The Diplomat magazine; and Temur Umarov, a fellow at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and at the OSCE Academy. https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-2022-raucous-year/32203048.html https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-2022-raucous-year/32203048.html Sun, 01 Jan 2023 10:31:06 +0100 Bruce Pannier The Central Asian states have never experienced anything like the year 2022. There were protests that turned deadly in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; fighting between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan that left more than 100 people dead; political and economic fallout from Russia's war on Ukraine that affected all five Central Asian countries; presidential elections in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan; and much more. Joining host Bruce Pannier to look back at a year that in many ways reshaped and redirected the course of Central Asia are Luca Anceschi, professor of Central Asian studies at Glasgow University; Catherine Putz, managing editor at The Diplomat magazine; and Temur Umarov, a fellow at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and at the OSCE Academy. 00:49:32 full Turkey has been noticeably active in Central Asia this year. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Uzbekistan twice, Kazakhstan, and most recently Turkmenistan in mid-December. Erdogan is pushing for the Organization of Turkic States, which includes four Central Asian states, to move from a talk shop about cultural affinities into a political and economic bloc with international clout. Central Asia is expanding its trade networks to Turkey and increasingly turning to Ankara for security needs. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the topic are Assel Tutumlu, a lecturer at the Department of International Relations and Political Science at the Near East University in Nicosia; and Mukhtar Senggirbay, managing editor at RFE/RL’s Kazakh service, known locally as Azattyq. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkish-central-asian-relations-big-year/32192789.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkish-central-asian-relations-big-year/32192789.html Sun, 25 Dec 2022 10:57:55 +0100 Bruce Pannier Turkey has been noticeably active in Central Asia this year. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Uzbekistan twice, Kazakhstan, and most recently Turkmenistan in mid-December. Erdogan is pushing for the Organization of Turkic States, which includes four Central Asian states, to move from a talk shop about cultural affinities into a political and economic bloc with international clout. Central Asia is expanding its trade networks to Turkey and increasingly turning to Ankara for security needs. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the topic are Assel Tutumlu, a lecturer at the Department of International Relations and Political Science at the Near East University in Nicosia; and Mukhtar Senggirbay, managing editor at RFE/RL’s Kazakh service, known locally as Azattyq. 00:38:31 full This year will be remembered as one of the worst for human rights in Tajikistan. Authorities imprisoned activists, journalists, bloggers, lawyers, and members of the Shi'ite Pamiri community in the country’s eastern Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast. Mary Lawlor, the UN's special rapporteur for human rights defenders, visited Tajikistan from November 28 to December 9. On this week's Majlis, she joins host Bruce Pannier to discuss her concerns about the situation there. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-mary-lawlor-un-human-rights/32182071.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-mary-lawlor-un-human-rights/32182071.html Sun, 18 Dec 2022 16:02:22 +0100 Bruce Pannier This year will be remembered as one of the worst for human rights in Tajikistan. Authorities imprisoned activists, journalists, bloggers, lawyers, and members of the Shi'ite Pamiri community in the country’s eastern Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast. Mary Lawlor, the UN's special rapporteur for human rights defenders, visited Tajikistan from November 28 to December 9. On this week's Majlis, she joins host Bruce Pannier to discuss her concerns about the situation there. 00:32:51 full The trial of 22 Karakalpaks started in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, on November 28. They are accused of involvement in violence that left at least 21 people dead in western Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan Republic in early July. The defendants’ confessions of guilt, and assurances in the courtroom that they have been well treated since being detained, are raising suspicions the accused are not free to speak the truth. Two Karakalpaks living outside Uzbekistan join host Bruce Pannier to give some insight into public opinion on the July violence, the investigation into the unrest, and the court proceedings. Due to concerns for the safety of family and friends back in Karakalpakstan, this week’s guests are using the pseudonyms Aysulu Azatova and Makset Saparov. Their voices have also been altered to help conceal their identities. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-karakalpaks-uzbekistan/32171601.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-karakalpaks-uzbekistan/32171601.html Sun, 11 Dec 2022 11:39:45 +0100 Bruce Pannier The trial of 22 Karakalpaks started in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, on November 28. They are accused of involvement in violence that left at least 21 people dead in western Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan Republic in early July. The defendants’ confessions of guilt, and assurances in the courtroom that they have been well treated since being detained, are raising suspicions the accused are not free to speak the truth. Two Karakalpaks living outside Uzbekistan join host Bruce Pannier to give some insight into public opinion on the July violence, the investigation into the unrest, and the court proceedings. Due to concerns for the safety of family and friends back in Karakalpakstan, this week’s guests are using the pseudonyms Aysulu Azatova and Makset Saparov. Their voices have also been altered to help conceal their identities. 00:43:31 full The Pamiris, the native inhabitants the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in eastern Tajikistan, have been the target of a relentless crackdown since violence sparked by government security forces broke out there in May. In November alone, at least 15 Pamiris were given long prison sentences, with five sentenced to life in prison. Two of the region's four registered lawyers are about to go on trial, behind closed doors, and they also face long prison sentences. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the topic are Suzanne Levi-Sanchez, author of the book Bridging State And Civil Society: Informal Organizations In Tajik/Afghan Badakhshan; and Bakhtiyor Safarov, founder of Central Asia Consulting in the United States, who is originally from Gorno-Badakhshan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-gorno-badakhshan-repression/32161079.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-gorno-badakhshan-repression/32161079.html Sun, 04 Dec 2022 12:04:31 +0100 RFE/RL The Pamiris, the native inhabitants the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in eastern Tajikistan, have been the target of a relentless crackdown since violence sparked by government security forces broke out there in May. In November alone, at least 15 Pamiris were given long prison sentences, with five sentenced to life in prison. Two of the region's four registered lawyers are about to go on trial, behind closed doors, and they also face long prison sentences. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the topic are Suzanne Levi-Sanchez, author of the book Bridging State And Civil Society: Informal Organizations In Tajik/Afghan Badakhshan; and Bakhtiyor Safarov, founder of Central Asia Consulting in the United States, who is originally from Gorno-Badakhshan. 00:46:03 full At least 21 people were killed in Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan Republic in July, the worst violence in the country since the Andijon massacre in May 2005. Judging from information released by the commission investigating the causes of the violence, the role of the police and security forces is receiving little, if any, attention. A recent Human Rights Watch report, however, looks at law enforcement’s role. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the topic are Mihra Rittmann, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer who has spent many years focusing on Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-karakalpakstan-violence/32150808.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-karakalpakstan-violence/32150808.html Sun, 27 Nov 2022 11:00:43 +0100 Bruce Pannier At least 21 people were killed in Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan Republic in July, the worst violence in the country since the Andijon massacre in May 2005. Judging from information released by the commission investigating the causes of the violence, the role of the police and security forces is receiving little, if any, attention. A recent Human Rights Watch report, however, looks at law enforcement’s role. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the topic are Mihra Rittmann, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, and Steve Swerdlow, a rights lawyer who has spent many years focusing on Central Asia. 00:42:27 full President Sadyr Japarov's government is showing its intolerance for citizens who question government decisions. In a widely posted video and photos, veteran rights defender Aziza Abdurasulova, who is in her 70s, was dragged away by police outside the government building in Bishkek on November 15. Abdurasulova has been a vocal critic of the detentions of more than two dozen people who oppose a controversial border deal Japarov's government reached with neighboring Uzbekistan. Who is being targeted in Kyrgyzstan and why? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the topic are Syinat Sultanalieva, researcher on Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for Human Rights Watch, and Ivar Dale, senior policy adviser at the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, who was in Kyrgyzstan in October. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-crackdown/32139120.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-crackdown/32139120.html Sun, 20 Nov 2022 13:28:22 +0100 RFE/RL President Sadyr Japarov's government is showing its intolerance for citizens who question government decisions. In a widely posted video and photos, veteran rights defender Aziza Abdurasulova, who is in her 70s, was dragged away by police outside the government building in Bishkek on November 15. Abdurasulova has been a vocal critic of the detentions of more than two dozen people who oppose a controversial border deal Japarov's government reached with neighboring Uzbekistan. Who is being targeted in Kyrgyzstan and why? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the topic are Syinat Sultanalieva, researcher on Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for Human Rights Watch, and Ivar Dale, senior policy adviser at the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, who was in Kyrgyzstan in October. 00:41:24 full Incumbent Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev is sure to win Kazakhstan’s early presidential election on November 20. But this has been a tumultuous year for the country, starting with the largest outbreak of violence in its brief history and an array of problems linked to Kazakhstan’s ties with giant neighbor Russia amid the latter’s war on Ukraine. Will Toqaev’s decision to have an early vote help resolve any of these and other issues? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the topic are Ben Godwin, the head of analysis at PRISM Political Risk Management who lived and worked in Kazakhstan for seven years and continues to track events there, and Darkhan Umirbekov, digital editor at RFE/RL’s Kazakh service in Astana. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-presidential-election/32128697.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-presidential-election/32128697.html Sun, 13 Nov 2022 11:26:30 +0100 RFE/RL Incumbent Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev is sure to win Kazakhstan’s early presidential election on November 20. But this has been a tumultuous year for the country, starting with the largest outbreak of violence in its brief history and an array of problems linked to Kazakhstan’s ties with giant neighbor Russia amid the latter’s war on Ukraine. Will Toqaev’s decision to have an early vote help resolve any of these and other issues? Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the topic are Ben Godwin, the head of analysis at PRISM Political Risk Management who lived and worked in Kazakhstan for seven years and continues to track events there, and Darkhan Umirbekov, digital editor at RFE/RL’s Kazakh service in Astana. 00:39:00 full The recent detentions of politicians, activists, and journalists in Kyrgyzstan and the two conflicts the country has fought in the last 18 months with neighboring Tajikistan have one thing in common -- they stem from attempts to finally demarcate disputed areas of Kyrgyzstan’s borders with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Marking Kyrgyzstan’s borders with its southern and western neighbors has not only been difficult, it has been risky. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the situation are Viktoria Akchurina, author of the recently released book Incomplete State-Building In Central Asia: The State As Social Practice, and Bakyt Beshimov, formerly a member of the Kyrgyz parliament, a Kyrgyz ambassador to India and to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-border-tajikistan-uzbekistan/32117896.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-border-tajikistan-uzbekistan/32117896.html Sun, 06 Nov 2022 13:01:18 +0100 Bruce Pannier The recent detentions of politicians, activists, and journalists in Kyrgyzstan and the two conflicts the country has fought in the last 18 months with neighboring Tajikistan have one thing in common -- they stem from attempts to finally demarcate disputed areas of Kyrgyzstan’s borders with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Marking Kyrgyzstan’s borders with its southern and western neighbors has not only been difficult, it has been risky. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the situation are Viktoria Akchurina, author of the recently released book Incomplete State-Building In Central Asia: The State As Social Practice, and Bakyt Beshimov, formerly a member of the Kyrgyz parliament, a Kyrgyz ambassador to India and to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. 00:56:38 full After Kyrgyz officials announced the terms of a proposed border agreement with Uzbekistan in early October, there were protests and a committee was established to oppose the border deal. Kyrgyz authorities have detained more than 20 opponents of the agreement, many of them well-known figures in the country with many supporters. The authorities also blocked the website of RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service. Tensions are high again in Kyrgyzstan, a country that has seen three revolutions since 2005. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the situation in Kyrgyzstan are Leila Nazgul Seiitbek, a lawyer and chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia, and Saniia Toktogazieva, a constitutional lawyer and associate professor teaching international law at the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-crackdown/32107598.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-crackdown/32107598.html Sun, 30 Oct 2022 10:44:38 +0100 Bruce Pannier After Kyrgyz officials announced the terms of a proposed border agreement with Uzbekistan in early October, there were protests and a committee was established to oppose the border deal. Kyrgyz authorities have detained more than 20 opponents of the agreement, many of them well-known figures in the country with many supporters. The authorities also blocked the website of RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service. Tensions are high again in Kyrgyzstan, a country that has seen three revolutions since 2005. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the situation in Kyrgyzstan are Leila Nazgul Seiitbek, a lawyer and chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia, and Saniia Toktogazieva, a constitutional lawyer and associate professor teaching international law at the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek. 00:43:27 full Tajik authorities have launched sweeping crackdowns in 2022, targeting anyone who criticizes the government or challenges the state narrative of events in the Central Asian country. Scores of people -- journalists, bloggers, activists, lawyers, many influential residents of Tajikistan’s eastern Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, and others -- have been rushed through the court system and into prison cells in recent weeks, often after being convicted in closed-door trials. It is possibly the worst wave of repression in Tajikistan since the days of the 1992-97 civil war. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-crackdown-pannier/32096840.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-crackdown-pannier/32096840.html Sun, 23 Oct 2022 10:47:07 +0200 Bruce Pannier Tajik authorities have launched sweeping crackdowns in 2022, targeting anyone who criticizes the government or challenges the state narrative of events in the Central Asian country. Scores of people -- journalists, bloggers, activists, lawyers, many influential residents of Tajikistan’s eastern Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, and others -- have been rushed through the court system and into prison cells in recent weeks, often after being convicted in closed-door trials. It is possibly the worst wave of repression in Tajikistan since the days of the 1992-97 civil war. 00:39:41 full The Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has proved to be of little value for some of its members recently. The regional alliance failed to come to the aid of member state Armenia when it was attacked by non-member state Azerbaijan in September. Days later, the CSTO failed to play any meaningful role when two other members -- Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – engaged in a brief conflict. With major CSTO partner Russia mired in the war it started in Ukraine, does the organization have a future? https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-future-russia-csto/32085468.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-future-russia-csto/32085468.html Sun, 16 Oct 2022 09:53:12 +0200 Bruce Pannier The Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has proved to be of little value for some of its members recently. The regional alliance failed to come to the aid of member state Armenia when it was attacked by non-member state Azerbaijan in September. Days later, the CSTO failed to play any meaningful role when two other members -- Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – engaged in a brief conflict. With major CSTO partner Russia mired in the war it started in Ukraine, does the organization have a future? 00:34:09 full People with disabilities worldwide continue to face a range of challenges. Access to public facilities or public transportation is often far from adequate. The opportunities for education are limited. And at the root of the problem is the mentality of segregation that has long existed toward those with a disability. What is the situation in Central Asia? What is being done, and what still needs to done to improve the lives of the disabled in the region is the topic of this week’s Majlis podcast. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-people-disabilities-central-asia/32072040.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-people-disabilities-central-asia/32072040.html Sun, 09 Oct 2022 10:34:59 +0200 Bruce Pannier People with disabilities worldwide continue to face a range of challenges. Access to public facilities or public transportation is often far from adequate. The opportunities for education are limited. And at the root of the problem is the mentality of segregation that has long existed toward those with a disability. What is the situation in Central Asia? What is being done, and what still needs to done to improve the lives of the disabled in the region is the topic of this week’s Majlis podcast. 00:50:18 full Since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "partial" mobilization for military service on September 21, tens of thousands of young Russian men and their families have left the country. More than 100,000 crossed into Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian states are also seeing a sharp increase in the numbers of Russians arriving, probably the largest influx of outsiders into the region, in less than one year, ever. Residents of the Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uzbek capitals talk about the effect this Russian migration is having on locals. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-russians-flood-central-asia/32061625.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-russians-flood-central-asia/32061625.html Sun, 02 Oct 2022 10:07:42 +0200 Bruce Pannier Since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "partial" mobilization for military service on September 21, tens of thousands of young Russian men and their families have left the country. More than 100,000 crossed into Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian states are also seeing a sharp increase in the numbers of Russians arriving, probably the largest influx of outsiders into the region, in less than one year, ever. Residents of the Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uzbek capitals talk about the effect this Russian migration is having on locals. 00:41:16 full War broke out between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on September 14-17 and that follows the war the two countries fought in late April 2021. There have been reports about the tensions along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border for years now, and the damage done to lives and property. In this week's Majlis Podcast, we look at the people who live in this area, how they make a living, and how the outbreaks of violence have been changing their communities. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-life-on-kyrgyzstan-tajikistan-border/32051165.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-life-on-kyrgyzstan-tajikistan-border/32051165.html Sun, 25 Sep 2022 09:50:16 +0200 Bruce Pannier War broke out between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on September 14-17 and that follows the war the two countries fought in late April 2021. There have been reports about the tensions along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border for years now, and the damage done to lives and property. In this week's Majlis Podcast, we look at the people who live in this area, how they make a living, and how the outbreaks of violence have been changing their communities. 00:46:21 full The leaders of China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan met in the ancient Silk Route city of Samarkand on September 16 for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The leaders of SCO observer countries Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia were there along with special guests, the leaders of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. This week's Majlis podcast looks at what was accomplished and what opportunities were missed in Samarkand, and what sort of the organization the SCO has become as it marks 21 years of existence. https://www.rferl.org/a/32039567.html https://www.rferl.org/a/32039567.html Sun, 18 Sep 2022 09:42:02 +0200 Bruce Pannier The leaders of China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan met in the ancient Silk Route city of Samarkand on September 16 for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The leaders of SCO observer countries Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia were there along with special guests, the leaders of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. This week's Majlis podcast looks at what was accomplished and what opportunities were missed in Samarkand, and what sort of the organization the SCO has become as it marks 21 years of existence. 00:43:38 full Russia completed its colonization of Central Asia in the late 19th century, and all that territory became part of the Soviet Union after 1917. The people of Central Asia were forced to change centuries-old habits and live as Moscow dictated, including using Russian as their first language. Russia’s war on Ukraine, and chauvinistic statements from Russian officials about historic Russian lands, have stirred debate and introspection among Central Asians about Russia’s legacy in their region and in their own lives. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-rise-of-decolonial-thinking-central-asia/32028493.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-rise-of-decolonial-thinking-central-asia/32028493.html Sun, 11 Sep 2022 10:09:17 +0200 RFE/RL Russia completed its colonization of Central Asia in the late 19th century, and all that territory became part of the Soviet Union after 1917. The people of Central Asia were forced to change centuries-old habits and live as Moscow dictated, including using Russian as their first language. Russia’s war on Ukraine, and chauvinistic statements from Russian officials about historic Russian lands, have stirred debate and introspection among Central Asians about Russia’s legacy in their region and in their own lives. 00:47:06 Ukraine, Central Asia, Russia, Bruce Pannier, Majlis Podcast full Kyrgyzstan has finally taken control of the Kumtor gold mine, the country’s most lucrative business, after nearly 30 years of majority ownership by Canadian companies. Kumtor was an endless source of problems and accusations. The mining operation caused ecological damage, Kyrgyz authorities signed deals that were disadvantageous to the country, and there were constant rumors of corruption. Now the gold mine is under Kyrgyz ownership, but that has not stopped the controversies. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcst-kumtor-gold-mine-kysrgystan-control/32017821.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcst-kumtor-gold-mine-kysrgystan-control/32017821.html Sun, 04 Sep 2022 09:40:11 +0200 Bruce Pannier Kyrgyzstan has finally taken control of the Kumtor gold mine, the country’s most lucrative business, after nearly 30 years of majority ownership by Canadian companies. Kumtor was an endless source of problems and accusations. The mining operation caused ecological damage, Kyrgyz authorities signed deals that were disadvantageous to the country, and there were constant rumors of corruption. Now the gold mine is under Kyrgyz ownership, but that has not stopped the controversies. 00:49:47 full Central Asia’s traditional trade routes with Europe through Russia have been disrupted by EU sanctions on Russia for the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine. Now, the Central Asian states are looking to open or expand alternate links to Europe across the Caspian Sea and through the Caucasus. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at the infrastructure already in place and what obstacles still remain for Central Asia to open up non-Russian trade routes with Europe. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-trans-caspian-trade-russia-sanctions/32007798.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-trans-caspian-trade-russia-sanctions/32007798.html Sun, 28 Aug 2022 10:08:41 +0200 Bruce Pannier Central Asia’s traditional trade routes with Europe through Russia have been disrupted by EU sanctions on Russia for the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine. Now, the Central Asian states are looking to open or expand alternate links to Europe across the Caspian Sea and through the Caucasus. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at the infrastructure already in place and what obstacles still remain for Central Asia to open up non-Russian trade routes with Europe. 00:42:01 full The Tajik government has a reputation for repression and has launched several crackdowns on perceived opponents in recent years. But the Tajik regime’s current campaign to silence or eliminate any potential challenge to its authority is the country’s most sweeping yet. Targets have been detained, imprisoned, and in some cases killed, and have included residents of the eastern Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, journalists, bloggers, activists, lawyers, poets, and even a clergyman. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajik-government-crackdown-opposition/31997927.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajik-government-crackdown-opposition/31997927.html Sun, 21 Aug 2022 10:13:37 +0200 Bruce Pannier The Tajik government has a reputation for repression and has launched several crackdowns on perceived opponents in recent years. But the Tajik regime’s current campaign to silence or eliminate any potential challenge to its authority is the country’s most sweeping yet. Targets have been detained, imprisoned, and in some cases killed, and have included residents of the eastern Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, journalists, bloggers, activists, lawyers, poets, and even a clergyman. 00:54:57 full Members of opposition parties, rights activists, journalists, and others have fled Central Asia to escape persecution. Russia is easiest to reach, but some who fled there have disappeared and reappeared in custody back home. Europe is a safer destination, but there are still problems, including the threat of extradition, for Central Asian asylum seekers who reach the European Union. This week's Majlis podcast looks at the challenges for Central Asians seeking asylum in the EU. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-asylum-europe/31987321.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-asylum-europe/31987321.html Sun, 14 Aug 2022 11:16:08 +0200 Bruce Pannier Members of opposition parties, rights activists, journalists, and others have fled Central Asia to escape persecution. Russia is easiest to reach, but some who fled there have disappeared and reappeared in custody back home. Europe is a safer destination, but there are still problems, including the threat of extradition, for Central Asian asylum seekers who reach the European Union. This week's Majlis podcast looks at the challenges for Central Asians seeking asylum in the EU. 00:44:06 full Across Central Asia there have been reports of abnormally high temperatures this summer and this follows the drought that the area experienced last year. In the mountains of eastern Central Asia, glaciers continue to shrink. The signs of climate change in the region are clear. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at how the bad the problem is, what can be expected in the coming years, and what Central Asia can do to mitigate the effects of climate change there. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-climate-change-central-asia/31977360.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-climate-change-central-asia/31977360.html Sun, 07 Aug 2022 10:08:34 +0200 Bruce Pannier Across Central Asia there have been reports of abnormally high temperatures this summer and this follows the drought that the area experienced last year. In the mountains of eastern Central Asia, glaciers continue to shrink. The signs of climate change in the region are clear. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at how the bad the problem is, what can be expected in the coming years, and what Central Asia can do to mitigate the effects of climate change there. 00:36:08 full Uzbekistan hosted an international conference on Afghanistan on July 25-26 with Taliban representatives in attendance. Tashkent has led the way in Central Asia in engaging with the Taliban since they returned to power in August 2021, but not everyone agrees with the Uzbek government’s decision to host representatives of a group that many consider to be extremist. On this week’s Majlis podcast we look at the challenges and potential benefits for Uzbekistan, and more broadly Central Asia, in dealing with the Taliban. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-taliban-pannier/31967534.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-taliban-pannier/31967534.html Sun, 31 Jul 2022 10:21:45 +0200 Bruce Pannier Uzbekistan hosted an international conference on Afghanistan on July 25-26 with Taliban representatives in attendance. Tashkent has led the way in Central Asia in engaging with the Taliban since they returned to power in August 2021, but not everyone agrees with the Uzbek government’s decision to host representatives of a group that many consider to be extremist. On this week’s Majlis podcast we look at the challenges and potential benefits for Uzbekistan, and more broadly Central Asia, in dealing with the Taliban. 00:49:21 full The five Central Asian presidents met in Kyrgyzstan on July 20-21, but the preannounced crowning achievement of the event -- an agreement of friendship and cooperation in the 21st century -- was not signed by all. The Central Asian governments have been strengthening their regional ties in recent years, but there are still significant differences of opinion between them. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at what the summit in Kyrgyzstan showed about what has and has not been achieved in regional relations. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asian-summit-kyrgyzstan/31957448.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asian-summit-kyrgyzstan/31957448.html Sun, 24 Jul 2022 10:27:09 +0200 Bruce Pannier The five Central Asian presidents met in Kyrgyzstan on July 20-21, but the preannounced crowning achievement of the event -- an agreement of friendship and cooperation in the 21st century -- was not signed by all. The Central Asian governments have been strengthening their regional ties in recent years, but there are still significant differences of opinion between them. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at what the summit in Kyrgyzstan showed about what has and has not been achieved in regional relations. 00:45:46 full A recent statement from the United Nations called on Kyrgyz authorities "intensify curbing violence against women and girls." The figures provided by Kyrgyz media show an alarming spike in the number of gender violence crimes during the COVID lockdown and after those restrictions were lifted. This Majlis Podcast looks at why violence against women and girls is becoming worse and what could be done to change the situation. (WARNING: This week's podcast contains descriptions of sexual violence.) https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-sexual-violence/31947219.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-sexual-violence/31947219.html Sun, 17 Jul 2022 10:52:48 +0200 Bruce Pannier A recent statement from the United Nations called on Kyrgyz authorities "intensify curbing violence against women and girls." The figures provided by Kyrgyz media show an alarming spike in the number of gender violence crimes during the COVID lockdown and after those restrictions were lifted. This Majlis Podcast looks at why violence against women and girls is becoming worse and what could be done to change the situation. (WARNING: This week's podcast contains descriptions of sexual violence.) 00:44:13 full Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan and Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan are the only two regions in the five Central Asian states with nominal autonomy. There have been peaceful protests that turned violent in both regions in the last two months, leaving, officially, 34 people dead, though there are groups that claim the figure is higher. This Majlis Podcast looks at what is similar and what is different in the unrest in Gorno-Badakhshan and Karakalpakstan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-gorno-badakhshan-karakalpakstan/31936841.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-gorno-badakhshan-karakalpakstan/31936841.html Sun, 10 Jul 2022 10:31:23 +0200 Bruce Pannier Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan and Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan are the only two regions in the five Central Asian states with nominal autonomy. There have been peaceful protests that turned violent in both regions in the last two months, leaving, officially, 34 people dead, though there are groups that claim the figure is higher. This Majlis Podcast looks at what is similar and what is different in the unrest in Gorno-Badakhshan and Karakalpakstan. 00:53:20 full Iran’s relations with the countries of Central Asian have been up and down for more than 30 years. Now there are signs that their ties are again strengthening: Between May 29 and June 19, three Centra Asian presidents paid official visits to Iran. One reason for the outreach is the unreliability of the region’s traditional trade route through Russia after international sanctions were imposed on Russia for its war on Ukraine. But there are also other factors at play. This week’s Majlis podcast discusses the warming ties between Central Asia and Iran. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-new-era-iran-central-asia/31926857.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-new-era-iran-central-asia/31926857.html Sun, 03 Jul 2022 10:20:52 +0200 Bruce Pannier Iran’s relations with the countries of Central Asian have been up and down for more than 30 years. Now there are signs that their ties are again strengthening: Between May 29 and June 19, three Centra Asian presidents paid official visits to Iran. One reason for the outreach is the unreliability of the region’s traditional trade route through Russia after international sanctions were imposed on Russia for its war on Ukraine. But there are also other factors at play. This week’s Majlis podcast discusses the warming ties between Central Asia and Iran. 00:45:12 Central Asia, Majlis Podcast full The Kremlin’s decision to recognize the independence of the Russia-occupied Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine, then launch an invasion of Ukraine, created new tensions between Kazakhstan and Russia. The remarks of Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev and Russian President Vladimir Putin when they were sitting together in St. Petersburg on June 17 showed the differences in opinion between the two governments on Ukraine and other issues. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at the growing rift In Kazakh-Russian ties. https://www.rferl.org/a/31915672.html https://www.rferl.org/a/31915672.html Sun, 26 Jun 2022 10:41:55 +0200 Bruce Pannier The Kremlin’s decision to recognize the independence of the Russia-occupied Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine, then launch an invasion of Ukraine, created new tensions between Kazakhstan and Russia. The remarks of Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev and Russian President Vladimir Putin when they were sitting together in St. Petersburg on June 17 showed the differences in opinion between the two governments on Ukraine and other issues. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at the growing rift In Kazakh-Russian ties. 00:48:42 full A video of a groom striking his bride at a wedding reception in Uzbekistan, a Kyrgyz deputy’s proposal to ban young women from traveling abroad without permission, and the growing restrictions on women’s appearance and clothing are among the latest examples of the problems women in Central Asia are increasingly facing. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at the roots and manifestations of gender discrimination and violence in Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-gender-discrimination-violence-women-central-asia/31904986.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-gender-discrimination-violence-women-central-asia/31904986.html Sun, 19 Jun 2022 10:19:14 +0200 Bruce Pannier A video of a groom striking his bride at a wedding reception in Uzbekistan, a Kyrgyz deputy’s proposal to ban young women from traveling abroad without permission, and the growing restrictions on women’s appearance and clothing are among the latest examples of the problems women in Central Asia are increasingly facing. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at the roots and manifestations of gender discrimination and violence in Central Asia. 00:49:38 majlis, Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, women, Uzbekistan full The Tajik government is continuing what it calls a counterterrorist operation in the eastern Gorno-Badakhshan region. Tales of brutality continue to circulate on social media, but the lines of communication to the region were cut immediately after violence broke out in mid-May, so it's very difficult to know for sure what is happening there. This week’s Majlis Podcast takes a look at events in the remote region and the history behind them. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-badakhshan/31894618.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-badakhshan/31894618.html Sun, 12 Jun 2022 11:29:46 +0200 Bruce Pannier The Tajik government is continuing what it calls a counterterrorist operation in the eastern Gorno-Badakhshan region. Tales of brutality continue to circulate on social media, but the lines of communication to the region were cut immediately after violence broke out in mid-May, so it's very difficult to know for sure what is happening there. This week’s Majlis Podcast takes a look at events in the remote region and the history behind them. 00:47:22 full On June 1, Uzbekistan banned the export of cooking oil. The same day, Kyrgyzstan banned the export of sugar. Sugar is in short supply in areas of Kazakhstan and generally across the country and prices for meat, vegetables, cereals, and sugar in Kazakhstan have increased by some 15 percent since June 2021. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at food security in Central Asia and what governments there are doing to ensure their populations have enough to eat. https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-hungry-summer/31884202.html https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-hungry-summer/31884202.html Sun, 05 Jun 2022 12:58:14 +0200 Bruce Pannier, Muhammad Tahir On June 1, Uzbekistan banned the export of cooking oil. The same day, Kyrgyzstan banned the export of sugar. Sugar is in short supply in areas of Kazakhstan and generally across the country and prices for meat, vegetables, cereals, and sugar in Kazakhstan have increased by some 15 percent since June 2021. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at food security in Central Asia and what governments there are doing to ensure their populations have enough to eat. 00:34:06 full Kazakhstan is holding a national referendum on potential amendments to the country’s constitution on June 5. This marks the first referendum in Kazakhstan in 27 years. The amendments, as proposed, would alter more than one-third of the current constitution. Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has said that the changes would bring an end to the “super presidential” system established by Kazakhstan’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbaev, and would create a Second Republic. Here we take a look at the key amendments and what exactly they signify for Kazakhstan’s future. https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-referendum-changes-constitution/31873759.html https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-referendum-changes-constitution/31873759.html Sun, 29 May 2022 11:52:08 +0200 Bruce Pannier Kazakhstan is holding a national referendum on potential amendments to the country’s constitution on June 5. This marks the first referendum in Kazakhstan in 27 years. The amendments, as proposed, would alter more than one-third of the current constitution. Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has said that the changes would bring an end to the “super presidential” system established by Kazakhstan’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbaev, and would create a Second Republic. Here we take a look at the key amendments and what exactly they signify for Kazakhstan’s future. 00:34:57 Kazakhstan, Majlis Podcast full Tensions have been simmering in Tajikistan’s restive Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast since November, when security forces killed 29-year-old Gulbiddin Ziyobekov. A brief period of unrest followed. Investigations into the incident have gone nowhere. On May 16, fighting started. Government forces backed by helicopters moved to crush local resistance. At least 30 people were killed. Why is Gorno-Badakhshan such a volatile area and are there any prospects for a peaceful solution to the problems there? https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-gorno-badakhshan/31862208.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-gorno-badakhshan/31862208.html Sun, 22 May 2022 09:52:55 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Tensions have been simmering in Tajikistan’s restive Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast since November, when security forces killed 29-year-old Gulbiddin Ziyobekov. A brief period of unrest followed. Investigations into the incident have gone nowhere. On May 16, fighting started. Government forces backed by helicopters moved to crush local resistance. At least 30 people were killed. Why is Gorno-Badakhshan such a volatile area and are there any prospects for a peaceful solution to the problems there? 00:44:55 full On May 7, the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) group fired rockets from Afghanistan into Tajikistan. The Taliban says it controls northern Afghanistan, but IS-K is not the only armed group battling the Taliban in this area. Not far from the Tajik border, the National Resistance Front under the command of ethnic Tajik Ahmad Masud is also fighting to wrest control of areas from the Taliban. What is happening south of the Tajik border and what connection does Tajikistan have to this latest violence? https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-afghanistan/31851553.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-afghanistan/31851553.html Sun, 15 May 2022 13:39:28 +0200 Bruce Pannier, Muhammad Tahir On May 7, the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) group fired rockets from Afghanistan into Tajikistan. The Taliban says it controls northern Afghanistan, but IS-K is not the only armed group battling the Taliban in this area. Not far from the Tajik border, the National Resistance Front under the command of ethnic Tajik Ahmad Masud is also fighting to wrest control of areas from the Taliban. What is happening south of the Tajik border and what connection does Tajikistan have to this latest violence? 00:43:24 full The Islamic State-Khorasan (ISK) claimed to have launched rockets at Uzbekistan from a border town in northern Afghanistan. Uzbek and Afghan officials denied it, but there is evidence that a failed attack did happen and evidence of other IS-K attacks in northern Afghanistan. Meanwhile, IS-K has been making threats on social media against Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at the increasing violence in northern Afghanistan and what it means for Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-is-k-central-asia-afghanistan/31839762.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-is-k-central-asia-afghanistan/31839762.html Sun, 08 May 2022 10:04:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier The Islamic State-Khorasan (ISK) claimed to have launched rockets at Uzbekistan from a border town in northern Afghanistan. Uzbek and Afghan officials denied it, but there is evidence that a failed attack did happen and evidence of other IS-K attacks in northern Afghanistan. Meanwhile, IS-K has been making threats on social media against Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. This week’s Majlis podcast looks at the increasing violence in northern Afghanistan and what it means for Central Asia. 00:48:13 full Central Asian governments have never respected press freedom. But in today's new era of media, in which YouTube channels, blogs, and social networks are among the most popular means of obtaining information, Central Asia's authorities have been playing catch-up. But they are, indeed, catching up, crafting new laws and rules on what people in the region can post. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-media-freedom-central-asia/31829268.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-media-freedom-central-asia/31829268.html Sun, 01 May 2022 09:32:17 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Central Asian governments have never respected press freedom. But in today's new era of media, in which YouTube channels, blogs, and social networks are among the most popular means of obtaining information, Central Asia's authorities have been playing catch-up. But they are, indeed, catching up, crafting new laws and rules on what people in the region can post. 00:40:15 full The armies of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan fought brief but destructive skirmishes along their frontier at the end of April 2021. Tensions had been building for years before that, and despite efforts to build trust and calm emotions after last year's conflict, three people have been shot dead since March in clashes between border guards. Has any progress at de-escalation been made, or is more conflict on the horizon? https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-tajikistan-conflict/31818635.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-tajikistan-conflict/31818635.html Sun, 24 Apr 2022 11:22:57 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier The armies of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan fought brief but destructive skirmishes along their frontier at the end of April 2021. Tensions had been building for years before that, and despite efforts to build trust and calm emotions after last year's conflict, three people have been shot dead since March in clashes between border guards. Has any progress at de-escalation been made, or is more conflict on the horizon? 00:40:57 full Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has left Central Asia short of basic foods, notably wheat, that the region regularly imports. People are already worried about worse times to come. This latest trade disruption comes on the heels of the global pandemic and last year’s severe drought. What are the impending challenges Central Asia faces to feed itself? https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-majlis-russia-ukraine-war-food/31807159.html https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-majlis-russia-ukraine-war-food/31807159.html Sun, 17 Apr 2022 10:20:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has left Central Asia short of basic foods, notably wheat, that the region regularly imports. People are already worried about worse times to come. This latest trade disruption comes on the heels of the global pandemic and last year’s severe drought. What are the impending challenges Central Asia faces to feed itself? 00:35:18 full Trucks carrying sugar and other goods sent from India have arrived in Uzbekistan, the first shipment to travel a north-south trade route that would connect Central Asia to the Indian Ocean. On this week's Majlis, we discuss the prospects for this potentially profitable route and look at what obstacles remain to realizing greater trade from Central Asia to the subcontinent. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-india-trade-route/31795689.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-india-trade-route/31795689.html Sun, 10 Apr 2022 10:16:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Trucks carrying sugar and other goods sent from India have arrived in Uzbekistan, the first shipment to travel a north-south trade route that would connect Central Asia to the Indian Ocean. On this week's Majlis, we discuss the prospects for this potentially profitable route and look at what obstacles remain to realizing greater trade from Central Asia to the subcontinent. 00:39:33 full On this week's Majlis podcast, we discuss the evolving public positions of some Central Asian states regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine. No government in the region has gone so far as to criticize Moscow’s military campaign, but officials in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are calling for an end to the bloodshed, making clear that they will not recognize the independence of pro-Russia separatist-held areas in eastern Ukraine. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-ukraine-war/31783587.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-ukraine-war/31783587.html Sun, 03 Apr 2022 10:26:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, we discuss the evolving public positions of some Central Asian states regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine. No government in the region has gone so far as to criticize Moscow’s military campaign, but officials in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are calling for an end to the bloodshed, making clear that they will not recognize the independence of pro-Russia separatist-held areas in eastern Ukraine. 00:45:34 full This week's episode features a discussion on how people from Central Asia are ending up as part of Russia's war in Ukraine, and the attempts to recruit migrant laborers from Central Asia as well. https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asians-war-ukraine/31772772.html https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asians-war-ukraine/31772772.html Sun, 27 Mar 2022 10:08:41 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier This week's episode features a discussion on how people from Central Asia are ending up as part of Russia's war in Ukraine, and the attempts to recruit migrant laborers from Central Asia as well. 00:46:30 full On this week's show, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on how the Russian invasion of Ukraine is creating rifts in societies in Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-ukraine-russia-central-asia-rifts/31761886.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-ukraine-russia-central-asia-rifts/31761886.html Sun, 20 Mar 2022 10:43:50 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's show, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on how the Russian invasion of Ukraine is creating rifts in societies in Central Asia. 00:45:05 full On this week's edition of the Majlis podcast, we discuss how Russian aggression in Ukraine is impacting everyday life in Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-aggression-ukraine-impact-central-asia/31750770.html https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-aggression-ukraine-impact-central-asia/31750770.html Sun, 13 Mar 2022 12:02:00 +0100 RFE/RL On this week's edition of the Majlis podcast, we discuss how Russian aggression in Ukraine is impacting everyday life in Central Asia. 00:36:02 full On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir and guests discuss the cautious public comments made by Central Asian officials regarding Moscow's incursion into Ukraine and the actions of Central Asian citizens in response to the Russian invasion. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-ukraine-central-asian-dilemma/31738920.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-ukraine-central-asian-dilemma/31738920.html Sun, 06 Mar 2022 14:23:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir and guests discuss the cautious public comments made by Central Asian officials regarding Moscow's incursion into Ukraine and the actions of Central Asian citizens in response to the Russian invasion. 00:55:16 full On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on the ramifications for Central Asia of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent comments about "historic Russian lands" and what the ripple effects will be for new sanctions being imposed on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-putin-separatism/31726315.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-putin-separatism/31726315.html Sun, 27 Feb 2022 12:36:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on the ramifications for Central Asia of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent comments about "historic Russian lands" and what the ripple effects will be for new sanctions being imposed on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. 00:43:07 full Turkmenistan will be having a snap presidential election on March 12 and the winner appears to be dynastic rule. On this week's Majlis podcast, we discuss what Turkmenistan can expect as the presidency looks set to pass from father to son. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-election/31712465.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-election/31712465.html Sun, 20 Feb 2022 12:03:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Turkmenistan will be having a snap presidential election on March 12 and the winner appears to be dynastic rule. On this week's Majlis podcast, we discuss what Turkmenistan can expect as the presidency looks set to pass from father to son. 00:42:31 full Gorno-Badakhshan is a unique region in Tajikistan. People there are distinct from ethnic Tajiks and have lived in the remote mountains of the region for centuries. There have been conflicts there before, some recently, and now people are wondering if fighting is set to break out again. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-gorno-badakhshan/31701487.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-gorno-badakhshan/31701487.html Sun, 13 Feb 2022 12:28:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Gorno-Badakhshan is a unique region in Tajikistan. People there are distinct from ethnic Tajiks and have lived in the remote mountains of the region for centuries. There have been conflicts there before, some recently, and now people are wondering if fighting is set to break out again. 00:45:42 full This week's Majlis Podcast features a discussion on the campaign against journalist Bolot Temirov as well as the problems of Kaktus.media, an independent Kyrgyz news outlet facing charges of spreading propaganda for reposting an article by an independent Tajik news outlet during the recent clashes along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-temirov-case/31689928.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-temirov-case/31689928.html Sun, 06 Feb 2022 14:02:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier This week's Majlis Podcast features a discussion on the campaign against journalist Bolot Temirov as well as the problems of Kaktus.media, an independent Kyrgyz news outlet facing charges of spreading propaganda for reposting an article by an independent Tajik news outlet during the recent clashes along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border. 00:41:00 full The leaders of India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan held virtual discussions on January 27, marking the first time all six countries have held a summit. This week's Majlis Podcast looks at Indian-Central Asian ties and where they could be going after this meeting. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-india-central-asia/31678296.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-india-central-asia/31678296.html Sun, 30 Jan 2022 12:22:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier The leaders of India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan held virtual discussions on January 27, marking the first time all six countries have held a summit. This week's Majlis Podcast looks at Indian-Central Asian ties and where they could be going after this meeting. 00:59:56 full This week's podcast looks to the efforts of some individuals and organizations to obtain a full accounting of the actions of the authorities during the worst turbulence Kazakhstan has seen in its 30-year history. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-consequences/31667249.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-consequences/31667249.html Sun, 23 Jan 2022 11:34:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier This week's podcast looks to the efforts of some individuals and organizations to obtain a full accounting of the actions of the authorities during the worst turbulence Kazakhstan has seen in its 30-year history. 00:42:55 full On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL's media-relations manager, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion that looks at how one of Central Asia’s seemingly most stable countries was suddenly torn apart. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-unrest/31656570.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-unrest/31656570.html Sun, 16 Jan 2022 11:03:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL's media-relations manager, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion that looks at how one of Central Asia’s seemingly most stable countries was suddenly torn apart. 00:57:45 full On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion of the violence in the Kazakh town of Zhanaozen 10 years ago, in which at least 16 people were killed, what has happened since, and how the tragedy is remembered in the country today. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-zhanaozen-kazakhstan-violence-2011/31616212.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-zhanaozen-kazakhstan-violence-2011/31616212.html Sun, 19 Dec 2021 11:03:18 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion of the violence in the Kazakh town of Zhanaozen 10 years ago, in which at least 16 people were killed, what has happened since, and how the tragedy is remembered in the country today. 00:38:15 full Plans for a pipeline to bring natural gas from Turkmenistan across the bottom of the Caspian Sea and on to Europe have been on the drawing board for a quarter of a century. This week's Majlis Podcast looks at a new project that aims to finally construct a pipeline that links Turkmenistan with the western Caspian shore. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-trans-caspian-pipeline/31605453.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-trans-caspian-pipeline/31605453.html Sun, 12 Dec 2021 12:07:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Plans for a pipeline to bring natural gas from Turkmenistan across the bottom of the Caspian Sea and on to Europe have been on the drawing board for a quarter of a century. This week's Majlis Podcast looks at a new project that aims to finally construct a pipeline that links Turkmenistan with the western Caspian shore. 00:51:19 full Turkey’s role in Central Asia has been waxing lately after visits from a series of top officials to Central Asia. On this week's Majlis Podcast, we discuss the growing ties between Turkey and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkey-summit/31594601.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkey-summit/31594601.html Sun, 05 Dec 2021 11:17:33 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Turkey’s role in Central Asia has been waxing lately after visits from a series of top officials to Central Asia. On this week's Majlis Podcast, we discuss the growing ties between Turkey and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. 00:43:17 full On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion on the November 28 Kyrgyz parliamentary elections, what has changed in the structure and role of parliament, in the way people will vote, and how many people can be expected to turn out and cast ballots for the fourth time in less than 14 months. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-elections/31571883.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-elections/31571883.html Sun, 21 Nov 2021 11:37:00 +0100 Bruce Pannier, Muhammad Tahir On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion on the November 28 Kyrgyz parliamentary elections, what has changed in the structure and role of parliament, in the way people will vote, and how many people can be expected to turn out and cast ballots for the fourth time in less than 14 months. 00:34:14 full On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion on the signs of climate change in Central Asia and what the governments of the region are doing in response. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-climate-change-pannier/31560761.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-climate-change-pannier/31560761.html Sun, 14 Nov 2021 12:21:18 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion on the signs of climate change in Central Asia and what the governments of the region are doing in response. 00:45:15 full On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on the current situation in Central Asian countries while they prepare for winter and what could be in store for them as temperatures continue to drop. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-shortages-winter/31538118.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-pannier-shortages-winter/31538118.html Sun, 31 Oct 2021 11:06:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on the current situation in Central Asian countries while they prepare for winter and what could be in store for them as temperatures continue to drop. 00:38:59 full On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion about what has been going on at a Chinese base in the far eastern corner of Tajikistan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-china-base-tajikistan/31527243.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-china-base-tajikistan/31527243.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 18:09:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion about what has been going on at a Chinese base in the far eastern corner of Tajikistan. 00:42:22 full On this week's Majlis, a discussion about the upcoming presidential election in Uzbekistan and a look at what happened during incumbent Shavkat Mirziyoev’s first five years in office. What could a second term hold in store? https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-mirziyoev/31514030.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-mirziyoev/31514030.html Sun, 17 Oct 2021 09:54:18 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis, a discussion about the upcoming presidential election in Uzbekistan and a look at what happened during incumbent Shavkat Mirziyoev’s first five years in office. What could a second term hold in store? 00:59:25 full On this week's Majlis Podcast, RFE/RL's media-relations manager, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion on the escalation along the Tajik-Afghan border and where it might lead. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajik-afghan-tensions/31501917.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajik-afghan-tensions/31501917.html Sun, 10 Oct 2021 10:16:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis Podcast, RFE/RL's media-relations manager, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion on the escalation along the Tajik-Afghan border and where it might lead. 00:44:47 full On this week's Majlis Podcast, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on the tumultuous last year in Kyrgyzstan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyz-elections/31490482.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyz-elections/31490482.html Sun, 03 Oct 2021 12:46:11 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis Podcast, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on the tumultuous last year in Kyrgyzstan. 00:42:24 full On this week's Majlis Podcast, RFE/RL's media-relations manager, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion on the facts and the fiction surrounding COVID-19 in Turkmenistan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-covid/31478766.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-covid/31478766.html Sun, 26 Sep 2021 10:29:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis Podcast, RFE/RL's media-relations manager, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion on the facts and the fiction surrounding COVID-19 in Turkmenistan. 00:38:41 full This week's Majlis Podcast features a discussion on the ties that bind Central Asia to China and might incline Central Asian governments to cooperate with China, even in Beijing's repressions against Muslims. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uyghurs-central-asia/31456284.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uyghurs-central-asia/31456284.html Sun, 12 Sep 2021 09:49:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier This week's Majlis Podcast features a discussion on the ties that bind Central Asia to China and might incline Central Asian governments to cooperate with China, even in Beijing's repressions against Muslims. 00:48:25 full This week's Majlis podcast focuses on how the Uzbek government is dealing with the Afghan spillover since the Taliban seized control over most of the country in mid-August. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-afghanistan-uzbekistan/31444505.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-afghanistan-uzbekistan/31444505.html Sun, 05 Sep 2021 09:46:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier This week's Majlis podcast focuses on how the Uzbek government is dealing with the Afghan spillover since the Taliban seized control over most of the country in mid-August. 00:49:54 full On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on Tajikistan’s stance on Afghanistan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-taliban/31433650.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajikistan-taliban/31433650.html Sun, 29 Aug 2021 10:51:03 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on Tajikistan’s stance on Afghanistan. 00:52:02 full On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on how Central Asia has responded so far to the Taliban seizing power and what might be coming next. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-afghanistan-central-asia/31422569.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-afghanistan-central-asia/31422569.html Sun, 22 Aug 2021 11:22:21 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on how Central Asia has responded so far to the Taliban seizing power and what might be coming next. 00:46:58 full This week's Majlis Podcast hosts a discussion on the latest wave of COVID in Central Asia, how bad is it, and what have the countries learned in the months that have past since the virus first appeared. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-covid-pandemic/31411450.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-covid-pandemic/31411450.html Sun, 15 Aug 2021 10:28:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier This week's Majlis Podcast hosts a discussion on the latest wave of COVID in Central Asia, how bad is it, and what have the countries learned in the months that have past since the virus first appeared. 00:53:13 full On this week's Majlis podcast, host Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on Central Asian citizens operating in northern Afghanistan, who they are, and from whom they take orders. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-central-asians-afghanistan/31399434.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-central-asians-afghanistan/31399434.html Sun, 08 Aug 2021 10:28:39 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, host Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on Central Asian citizens operating in northern Afghanistan, who they are, and from whom they take orders. 00:52:27 full On this week's Majlis podcast, host Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion about the death in prison in July 2020 of Kyrgyz rights defender Azimjon Askarov and the recent passing of a controversial new Kyrgyz law on the dissemination of false information. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-rights/31388082.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-rights/31388082.html Sun, 01 Aug 2021 10:19:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, host Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion about the death in prison in July 2020 of Kyrgyz rights defender Azimjon Askarov and the recent passing of a controversial new Kyrgyz law on the dissemination of false information. 00:35:44 full On this week's Majlis Podcast, Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on what is happening in northern Afghanistan and what the governments of the countries on the other side of the border are doing. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-afghanistan-situation/31376063.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-afghanistan-situation/31376063.html Sun, 25 Jul 2021 10:15:20 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis Podcast, Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on what is happening in northern Afghanistan and what the governments of the countries on the other side of the border are doing. 00:47:43 full On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir and guests discuss the effectiveness, and lack thereof, of bringing back those who willingly left Central Asia to join Islamic State and other extremist groups in the Middle East. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-kazakhstan-women-jihadists/31340296.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-kazakhstan-women-jihadists/31340296.html Sun, 04 Jul 2021 11:00:42 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir and guests discuss the effectiveness, and lack thereof, of bringing back those who willingly left Central Asia to join Islamic State and other extremist groups in the Middle East. 00:57:26 full On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir and guests discuss a new report that delves deeply into the corruption, nepotism, and misrule that have characterized Turkmenistan's government through nearly 30 years and two presidents. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-corruption-report-accountability/31328419.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-corruption-report-accountability/31328419.html Sun, 27 Jun 2021 10:19:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir and guests discuss a new report that delves deeply into the corruption, nepotism, and misrule that have characterized Turkmenistan's government through nearly 30 years and two presidents. 00:43:41 full On this week's show, host Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on what has changed in Tajik-Uzbek ties since Shavkat Mirziyoev became Uzbekistan’s president and where this new spirit of cooperation might lead both countries. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-tajikistan-relations-mirziyoev/31305014.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-tajikistan-relations-mirziyoev/31305014.html Sun, 13 Jun 2021 10:50:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's show, host Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on what has changed in Tajik-Uzbek ties since Shavkat Mirziyoev became Uzbekistan’s president and where this new spirit of cooperation might lead both countries. 00:37:30 full On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on the obstacles faced by independent NGOs in Uzbekistan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-independent-ngos-uzbekistan/31292863.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-independent-ngos-uzbekistan/31292863.html Sun, 06 Jun 2021 10:54:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on the obstacles faced by independent NGOs in Uzbekistan. 00:44:21 full On this week's Majlis Podcast, Muhammad Tahir and guests look at how the departure of U.S. and allied forces from Afghanistan will affect Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-afghanistan-us-forces-leave-central-asia-prospects/31281165.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-afghanistan-us-forces-leave-central-asia-prospects/31281165.html Sun, 30 May 2021 14:36:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis Podcast, Muhammad Tahir and guests look at how the departure of U.S. and allied forces from Afghanistan will affect Central Asia. 00:51:56 full On this week's podcast, a discussion on the recent investigations and court decisions that seem to go against the people who displease the Uzbek authorities. https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-sends-harsh-message-to-bloggers-political-opponents-majlis-podcast/31257589.html https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-sends-harsh-message-to-bloggers-political-opponents-majlis-podcast/31257589.html Sun, 16 May 2021 10:52:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's podcast, a discussion on the recent investigations and court decisions that seem to go against the people who displease the Uzbek authorities. 00:46:42 full On this week's podcast, a discussion on what led to the fighting, what happened during those three days, and how the fighting has changed the situation along the border and in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. https://www.rferl.org/a/making-sense-of-the-clashes-at-the-kyrgyz-tajik-border-majlis-podcast/31246179.html https://www.rferl.org/a/making-sense-of-the-clashes-at-the-kyrgyz-tajik-border-majlis-podcast/31246179.html Sun, 09 May 2021 10:15:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's podcast, a discussion on what led to the fighting, what happened during those three days, and how the fighting has changed the situation along the border and in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. 00:45:57 full How has Turkmenistan gone from the next Kuwait to a country where people wait in line for subsidized food? https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-mismanaged-and-impoverished/31234175.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-mismanaged-and-impoverished/31234175.html Sun, 02 May 2021 10:12:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier How has Turkmenistan gone from the next Kuwait to a country where people wait in line for subsidized food? 00:42:54 full On this week's show, RFE/RL Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion about religious freedom and the lack thereof in Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/violations-religious-freedom-central-asia/31221853.html https://www.rferl.org/a/violations-religious-freedom-central-asia/31221853.html Sun, 25 Apr 2021 10:08:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's show, RFE/RL Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion about religious freedom and the lack thereof in Central Asia. 00:49:16 full On this week's show, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion about gender violence in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, and why officials in those two countries seem unable to effectively combat it. https://www.rferl.org/a/gender-violence-kyrgyzstan-uzbekistan-majlis-podcast/31209864.html https://www.rferl.org/a/gender-violence-kyrgyzstan-uzbekistan-majlis-podcast/31209864.html Sun, 18 Apr 2021 11:25:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's show, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion about gender violence in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, and why officials in those two countries seem unable to effectively combat it. 00:37:46 full Since Uzbekistan's first postcommunist ruler died in 2016, the country has made attempts to improve its image as a serial rights abuser. So what has gone wrong in recent months? https://www.rferl.org/a/whats-going-on-in-uzbekistan/31197868.html https://www.rferl.org/a/whats-going-on-in-uzbekistan/31197868.html Sun, 11 Apr 2021 10:27:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Since Uzbekistan's first postcommunist ruler died in 2016, the country has made attempts to improve its image as a serial rights abuser. So what has gone wrong in recent months? 00:54:37 full On this week's Majlis podcast, host Muhammad Tahir and guests discuss the problems media outlets and journalists face in Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/maljlis-podcast-journalists-problems-central-asia-kazakhstan-kyrgyzstan-pannier/31173626.html https://www.rferl.org/a/maljlis-podcast-journalists-problems-central-asia-kazakhstan-kyrgyzstan-pannier/31173626.html Sun, 28 Mar 2021 10:03:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, host Muhammad Tahir and guests discuss the problems media outlets and journalists face in Central Asia. 00:49:42 full On this week's Majlis Podcast, we discuss the drop in remittances to Central Asia, what this means for migrant laborers from the region and their families back home, and how long the current situation might continue. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-remittances-migrants-families-covid-19-qishloq-ovozi/31162139.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-remittances-migrants-families-covid-19-qishloq-ovozi/31162139.html Sun, 21 Mar 2021 11:48:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis Podcast, we discuss the drop in remittances to Central Asia, what this means for migrant laborers from the region and their families back home, and how long the current situation might continue. 00:43:24 full This week's discussion focuses on Turkish-Central Asian ties and what Turkey's foreign minister was doing in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-new-dynamics-turkey-central-asia-relations/31150141.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-new-dynamics-turkey-central-asia-relations/31150141.html Sun, 14 Mar 2021 11:13:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier This week's discussion focuses on Turkish-Central Asian ties and what Turkey's foreign minister was doing in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. 00:37:10 full This week, the podcast hosts a discussion on what has changed in the last year, the challenges that remain, and what is being done to bring gender equality to the region and end violence against women. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-womens-day/31138224.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-womens-day/31138224.html Sun, 07 Mar 2021 12:33:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier This week, the podcast hosts a discussion on what has changed in the last year, the challenges that remain, and what is being done to bring gender equality to the region and end violence against women. 00:54:25 full This week, Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on a new luxurious resort built outside Tashkent allegedly for the use of the president, who it belongs to, and what is now being said about it inside Uzbekistan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-shovvozsoy-mansion-exposé/31126010.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-shovvozsoy-mansion-exposé/31126010.html Sun, 28 Feb 2021 11:11:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier This week, Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on a new luxurious resort built outside Tashkent allegedly for the use of the president, who it belongs to, and what is now being said about it inside Uzbekistan. 00:38:40 full On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion on the human rights situation in Kazakhstan. Despite promises made by President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev, some say the situation is getting worse, not better. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-rights-abuses-european-parliament/31113988.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-rights-abuses-european-parliament/31113988.html Sun, 21 Feb 2021 10:50:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion on the human rights situation in Kazakhstan. Despite promises made by President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev, some say the situation is getting worse, not better. 00:42:21 full On this week's Majlis Podcast, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on what has been happening in Turkmenistan recently and if any of these events signal a change in the country's future. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-developments-pipelines-president-s-son/31102240.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-developments-pipelines-president-s-son/31102240.html Sun, 14 Feb 2021 11:21:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis Podcast, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on what has been happening in Turkmenistan recently and if any of these events signal a change in the country's future. 00:42:36 full Sadyr Japarov completed his amazing rise from a prison cell in early October to being elected Kyrgyzstan's president in January. What has changed since then? https://www.rferl.org/a/what-do-kyrgyz-president-s-early-steps-say-about-future-plans-/31090380.html https://www.rferl.org/a/what-do-kyrgyz-president-s-early-steps-say-about-future-plans-/31090380.html Sun, 07 Feb 2021 11:29:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Sadyr Japarov completed his amazing rise from a prison cell in early October to being elected Kyrgyzstan's president in January. What has changed since then? 00:44:53 full On this week's Majlis podcast, we discuss the plight of lawyers in Central Asia, where being an independent attorney willing to defend people in court is often a hazardous occupation. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-lawyers-central-asia-dangeous-regime-pressures/31078826.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-lawyers-central-asia-dangeous-regime-pressures/31078826.html Sun, 31 Jan 2021 15:02:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, we discuss the plight of lawyers in Central Asia, where being an independent attorney willing to defend people in court is often a hazardous occupation. 00:46:42 full How might the new Biden administration change policy toward Central Asia? What might the Central Asian states be looking for from the Biden administration? And what aspects of U.S.-Central Asian relations are likely to remain the same? https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-biden-central-asia-policy/31066400.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-biden-central-asia-policy/31066400.html Sun, 24 Jan 2021 12:27:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier How might the new Biden administration change policy toward Central Asia? What might the Central Asian states be looking for from the Biden administration? And what aspects of U.S.-Central Asian relations are likely to remain the same? 00:55:30 full Two elections -- in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. RFE/RL's Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion looking at what happened -- and what might come next. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-new-parliament-kyrgyzstan-president/31049570.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-new-parliament-kyrgyzstan-president/31049570.html Sun, 17 Jan 2021 11:11:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Two elections -- in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. RFE/RL's Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion looking at what happened -- and what might come next. 00:37:59 full How did the five countries fare in 2020 and with various vaccines being developed and gradually being made available internationally, how does 2021 look for Central Asia? https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-covid-19-in-central-asia/31040615.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-covid-19-in-central-asia/31040615.html Sun, 10 Jan 2021 11:49:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier How did the five countries fare in 2020 and with various vaccines being developed and gradually being made available internationally, how does 2021 look for Central Asia? 00:47:37 full This week's Majlis Podcast discusses Kazakhstan's approaching parliamentary elections and what has changed and what looks the same under a different president. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-whats-at-stake-in-kazakh-elections/31021217.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-whats-at-stake-in-kazakh-elections/31021217.html Sun, 27 Dec 2020 11:09:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier This week's Majlis Podcast discusses Kazakhstan's approaching parliamentary elections and what has changed and what looks the same under a different president. 00:47:03 full Voters in Kyrgyzstan are heading back to the polling stations on January 10 as the country will hold both a presidential election and a referendum deciding the form of government: presidential or parliamentary. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-crucial-elections-stakes-high/31010059.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-crucial-elections-stakes-high/31010059.html Sun, 20 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Voters in Kyrgyzstan are heading back to the polling stations on January 10 as the country will hold both a presidential election and a referendum deciding the form of government: presidential or parliamentary. 00:44:55 full Under President Shavkat Mirziyoev, Uzbekistan has made some progress in the four years addressing the long list of rights violations that came to characterize the government under Mirziyoev's predecessor, Islam Karimov. But while some hail what they see as major breakthroughs, others see it as small and slow change. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-report-card-on-religious-freedom/30998485.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-report-card-on-religious-freedom/30998485.html Sun, 13 Dec 2020 12:07:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Under President Shavkat Mirziyoev, Uzbekistan has made some progress in the four years addressing the long list of rights violations that came to characterize the government under Mirziyoev's predecessor, Islam Karimov. But while some hail what they see as major breakthroughs, others see it as small and slow change. 00:45:03 full On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion about what changes are taking place in Central Asia to address the scourge of gender violence, and some of the challenges that still lie ahead. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-fighting-to-stop-violence-against-womenon-this-week-s-majlis-podcast-rfe-rl-s-media-relations-manager-muhammad-tahir-moderates-a-discussion-that-looks-at-what-changes-have-and-are-taking-place-in-central-asia-to-address-the-scourge-of-gende/30986500.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-fighting-to-stop-violence-against-womenon-this-week-s-majlis-podcast-rfe-rl-s-media-relations-manager-muhammad-tahir-moderates-a-discussion-that-looks-at-what-changes-have-and-are-taking-place-in-central-asia-to-address-the-scourge-of-gende/30986500.html Sun, 06 Dec 2020 11:37:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion about what changes are taking place in Central Asia to address the scourge of gender violence, and some of the challenges that still lie ahead. 00:42:42 full Kyrgyzstan’s new leadership has hastily written a new draft constitution and set January 10, 2021, the day already named for the presidential election, to also be the day people vote on a referendum on this new constitution. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-controversy-over-kyrgyzstan-s-draft-constitution/30962999.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-controversy-over-kyrgyzstan-s-draft-constitution/30962999.html Sun, 22 Nov 2020 10:51:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Kyrgyzstan’s new leadership has hastily written a new draft constitution and set January 10, 2021, the day already named for the presidential election, to also be the day people vote on a referendum on this new constitution. 00:49:41 full On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL's media-relations manager, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion that looks at this latest revelations concerning the alleged corruption network involving the former deputy head of Kyrgyzstan’s Customs Service, Raimbek Matraimov, and Chinese-born businessman Khabibula Abdukadyr, and the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars from Kyrgyzstan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-new-revelations-in-kyrgyz-corruption-scheme/30951090.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-new-revelations-in-kyrgyz-corruption-scheme/30951090.html Sun, 15 Nov 2020 11:04:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL's media-relations manager, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion that looks at this latest revelations concerning the alleged corruption network involving the former deputy head of Kyrgyzstan’s Customs Service, Raimbek Matraimov, and Chinese-born businessman Khabibula Abdukadyr, and the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars from Kyrgyzstan. 00:44:22 full President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has promised to ease past restrictions and implement reforms, some of which he says will help provide the basis for opposition groups to take a greater part in Kazakhstan's political process. So far, there seems to be little progress. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazkhstan-opposition-and-upcoming-elections/30936796.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazkhstan-opposition-and-upcoming-elections/30936796.html Sun, 08 Nov 2020 12:31:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has promised to ease past restrictions and implement reforms, some of which he says will help provide the basis for opposition groups to take a greater part in Kazakhstan's political process. So far, there seems to be little progress. 00:41:19 full This week, RFE/RL's media-relations manager for South and Central Asia, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion on what's been happening in Kyrgyzstan since Sadyr Japarov was freed from prison during the unrest sparked by the highly questionable results of the October 4 parliamentary elections. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-power-grab-in-kyrgyzstan/30911582.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-power-grab-in-kyrgyzstan/30911582.html Sun, 25 Oct 2020 11:51:00 +0100 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier This week, RFE/RL's media-relations manager for South and Central Asia, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion on what's been happening in Kyrgyzstan since Sadyr Japarov was freed from prison during the unrest sparked by the highly questionable results of the October 4 parliamentary elections. 00:43:17 full Twists and turns continued at lightning speed in Kyrgyzstan after protests against the results of the October 4 parliamentary elections brought down the government. On this week's Majlis podcast, a deeper look at the fast-changing developments in Kyrgyzstan in recent days. https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-what-just-happened-in-kyrgyzstan-and-where-is-it-all-headed-/30899432.html https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-what-just-happened-in-kyrgyzstan-and-where-is-it-all-headed-/30899432.html Sun, 18 Oct 2020 11:26:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Twists and turns continued at lightning speed in Kyrgyzstan after protests against the results of the October 4 parliamentary elections brought down the government. On this week's Majlis podcast, a deeper look at the fast-changing developments in Kyrgyzstan in recent days. 00:48:55 full On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion looking at the political turmoil in Bishkek, who is behind it, what their motives are, and what might get Kyrgyzstan out of this situation. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-elections-turbulent-jeenbekov-qishloq-ovozi/30885974.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-elections-turbulent-jeenbekov-qishloq-ovozi/30885974.html Sat, 10 Oct 2020 11:06:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion looking at the political turmoil in Bishkek, who is behind it, what their motives are, and what might get Kyrgyzstan out of this situation. 00:53:16 full On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL's Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion looking at the Tajik president’s years in power and what can be expected on election day and in the months and years after. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajik-president-looks-to-extend-his-rule-to-35-years/30874274.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-tajik-president-looks-to-extend-his-rule-to-35-years/30874274.html Sun, 04 Oct 2020 11:45:00 +0200 RFE/RL On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL's Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion looking at the Tajik president’s years in power and what can be expected on election day and in the months and years after. 00:48:49 full On this week's show, host Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on Kyrgyzstan’s October 4 parliamentary elections. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-rebranding-and-gangster-candidates-it-s-kyrgyzstan-s-parliamentary-elections/30860592.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-rebranding-and-gangster-candidates-it-s-kyrgyzstan-s-parliamentary-elections/30860592.html Sun, 27 Sep 2020 10:24:00 +0200 RFE/RL On this week's show, host Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on Kyrgyzstan’s October 4 parliamentary elections. 00:43:29 full On this week's show, host Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion about the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, a new Washington-based nonprofit whose website will open a new forum for those interested in Central Asia to connect, exchange ideas, and post material. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-what-is-the-oxus-society-/30848369.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-what-is-the-oxus-society-/30848369.html Sun, 20 Sep 2020 10:31:00 +0200 RFE/RL On this week's show, host Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion about the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, a new Washington-based nonprofit whose website will open a new forum for those interested in Central Asia to connect, exchange ideas, and post material. 00:36:22 full On this week's Majlis podcast, the discussion panel looks at the reaction in Central Asia to the ongoing protests in Belarus. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-aufio-central-asia-belarus-protests--qishloq-ovozi/30836077.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-aufio-central-asia-belarus-protests--qishloq-ovozi/30836077.html Sun, 13 Sep 2020 09:47:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis podcast, the discussion panel looks at the reaction in Central Asia to the ongoing protests in Belarus. 00:36:28 full On this week's Majlis Podcast, a panel discusses on what has and has not changed since Shavkat Mirziyoev became Uzbekistan's leader. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-mirziyoev-s-four-years-at-the-helm/30823723.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-mirziyoev-s-four-years-at-the-helm/30823723.html Sun, 06 Sep 2020 14:00:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier On this week's Majlis Podcast, a panel discusses on what has and has not changed since Shavkat Mirziyoev became Uzbekistan's leader. 00:45:06 full Authorities in Turkmenistan continue to deny there are any cases of coronavirus in the country. Will a second WHO mission prove them wrong? https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-covid-dilemma/30786506.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-covid-dilemma/30786506.html Sun, 16 Aug 2020 10:19:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier Authorities in Turkmenistan continue to deny there are any cases of coronavirus in the country. Will a second WHO mission prove them wrong? 00:42:34 full Ever since the coronavirus appeared in Central Asia, the authorities in countries there have used some questionable systems to count the numbers. https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-counting-the-coronavirus-cases-in-central-asia/30774216.html https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-counting-the-coronavirus-cases-in-central-asia/30774216.html Sun, 09 Aug 2020 11:36:00 +0200 RFE/RL Ever since the coronavirus appeared in Central Asia, the authorities in countries there have used some questionable systems to count the numbers. 00:42:06 full On this week's Majlis, a discussion not only about rights defender Azimjan Askarov, who died in a prison in Kyrgyzstan on July 25, but the fate of other political prisoners across Central Asia who have been wrongly imprisoned. https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-the-death-of-azimjon-askarov-and-the-fates-of-other-political-prisoners-in-central-asia/30762155.html https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-the-death-of-azimjon-askarov-and-the-fates-of-other-political-prisoners-in-central-asia/30762155.html Sun, 02 Aug 2020 07:55:00 +0200 RFE/RL On this week's Majlis, a discussion not only about rights defender Azimjan Askarov, who died in a prison in Kyrgyzstan on July 25, but the fate of other political prisoners across Central Asia who have been wrongly imprisoned. 00:46:07 full Despite hundreds of millions in international aid, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have all seen spikes in cases of the coronavirus in recent weeks. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-international-funding-and-central-asia-s-fight-against-covid-19/30735878.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-international-funding-and-central-asia-s-fight-against-covid-19/30735878.html Sun, 19 Jul 2020 10:34:00 +0200 Bruce Pannier, Muhammad Tahir Despite hundreds of millions in international aid, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have all seen spikes in cases of the coronavirus in recent weeks. 00:43:35 full On this week's podcast, a look at the Tajik government’s latest crackdown on the few independent media outlets left that still report honestly about affairs inside the country. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-media-freedom-and-the-coronavirus-in-tajikistan/30721967.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-media-freedom-and-the-coronavirus-in-tajikistan/30721967.html Sun, 12 Jul 2020 10:53:00 +0200 RFE/RL On this week's podcast, a look at the Tajik government’s latest crackdown on the few independent media outlets left that still report honestly about affairs inside the country. 00:35:35 full Reports of domestic violence in Central Asia were already growing before the outbreak of the coronavirus forced most of the governments there to implement lockdowns. Since then, the problem has only become worse. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-under-coronavirus-domestic-violence-in-central-asia-has-got-much-worse/30707003.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-under-coronavirus-domestic-violence-in-central-asia-has-got-much-worse/30707003.html Sun, 05 Jul 2020 09:59:00 +0200 Bruce Pannier, Muhammad Tahir Reports of domestic violence in Central Asia were already growing before the outbreak of the coronavirus forced most of the governments there to implement lockdowns. Since then, the problem has only become worse. 00:48:02 full At the beginning of June, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan started to ease restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It was not long before all three countries started registering record numbers of new cases. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-eases-lockdowns-and-coronavirus-cases-shoot-up/30682511.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-eases-lockdowns-and-coronavirus-cases-shoot-up/30682511.html Sun, 21 Jun 2020 09:39:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier At the beginning of June, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan started to ease restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It was not long before all three countries started registering record numbers of new cases. 00:39:24 full A number of people have been charged with spying in Uzbekistan recently, but there are doubts about the validity of the treason charges against some of them. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-spy-games/30670129.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-uzbekistan-spy-games/30670129.html Sun, 14 Jun 2020 13:44:00 +0200 Muhammad Tahir, Bruce Pannier A number of people have been charged with spying in Uzbekistan recently, but there are doubts about the validity of the treason charges against some of them. 00:50:59 full There are reasons to believe that when the coronavirus crisis finally passes, China will not be the same partner to the Central Asian states that it has been for the last two decades -- and some of that has to do with the changing attitudes of Central Asia’s people toward its giant eastern neighbor. https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-the-coronavirus-effect-on-central-asia-s-relations-with-china/30657499.html https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-the-coronavirus-effect-on-central-asia-s-relations-with-china/30657499.html Sun, 07 Jun 2020 12:36:00 +0200 RFE/RL There are reasons to believe that when the coronavirus crisis finally passes, China will not be the same partner to the Central Asian states that it has been for the last two decades -- and some of that has to do with the changing attitudes of Central Asia’s people toward its giant eastern neighbor. 00:46:11 full Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion that looks at the legacy of the ethnic violence of June 2010 in Osh and other areas of southern Kyrgyzstan. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-legacy-of-osh-10-years-after/30644544.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-legacy-of-osh-10-years-after/30644544.html Sun, 31 May 2020 12:15:00 +0200 Bruce Pannier, Muhammad Tahir Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion that looks at the legacy of the ethnic violence of June 2010 in Osh and other areas of southern Kyrgyzstan. 00:42:16 full At a recent videoconference of members of the Eurasian Economic Union, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan both voiced dissatisfaction with the workings of the organization. Where does this leave the Russian-led bloc? https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakh-kyrgyz-leaders-take-issue-with-eurasian-union/30637102.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakh-kyrgyz-leaders-take-issue-with-eurasian-union/30637102.html Wed, 27 May 2020 08:46:00 +0200 Bruce Pannier, Muhammad Tahir At a recent videoconference of members of the Eurasian Economic Union, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan both voiced dissatisfaction with the workings of the organization. Where does this leave the Russian-led bloc? 00:37:25 full The appearance of the coronavirus in Central Asia and the subsequent measures to limit its spread, such as lockdown orders, have complicated nearly everyone’s life, but few have been hit harder than the disabled. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-covid-19-disabled-central-asia-life-harder/30617019.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-covid-19-disabled-central-asia-life-harder/30617019.html Sun, 17 May 2020 12:37:00 +0200 Bruce Pannier, Muhammad Tahir The appearance of the coronavirus in Central Asia and the subsequent measures to limit its spread, such as lockdown orders, have complicated nearly everyone’s life, but few have been hit harder than the disabled. 00:43:49 full Even as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan begin easing restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus, questions are emerging about just how effective the three countries have been in limiting the spread and what will happen as people start to leave their homes more often and businesses resume operations. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-as-it-begins-to-reopen-is-central-asia-getting-it-right-/30604008.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-as-it-begins-to-reopen-is-central-asia-getting-it-right-/30604008.html Sun, 10 May 2020 10:43:00 +0200 RFE/RL Even as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan begin easing restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus, questions are emerging about just how effective the three countries have been in limiting the spread and what will happen as people start to leave their homes more often and businesses resume operations. 00:38:55 full On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion on how the authorities in Tajikistan and Turkmenistan have been handling -- or mishandling -- the coronavirus. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-tajikistan-and-the-coronavirus/30590065.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-turkmenistan-tajikistan-and-the-coronavirus/30590065.html Sun, 03 May 2020 10:27:00 +0200 RFE/RL On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion on how the authorities in Tajikistan and Turkmenistan have been handling -- or mishandling -- the coronavirus. 00:35:35 full This week's Majlis podcast looks at what life is like for migrant laborers from Central Asia who are currently stuck in Russia due to coronavirus travel restrictions. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-migrant-laborers-russia-coronavirus/30564168.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-migrant-laborers-russia-coronavirus/30564168.html Sun, 19 Apr 2020 10:17:00 +0200 RFE/RL This week's Majlis podcast looks at what life is like for migrant laborers from Central Asia who are currently stuck in Russia due to coronavirus travel restrictions. 00:38:48 full On this week's Majlis, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion that looks at whether Central Asian governments are taking advantage of the health crisis to firm up their grip on power. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-coronavirus-as-a-means-to-strengthen-control/30548816.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-coronavirus-as-a-means-to-strengthen-control/30548816.html Sun, 12 Apr 2020 10:03:00 +0200 RFE/RL On this week's Majlis, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion that looks at whether Central Asian governments are taking advantage of the health crisis to firm up their grip on power. 00:38:03 full On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL's Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on the measures Central Asian governments are -- and are not -- taking as the numbers of those afflicted with the coronavirus rise. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-coronavirus-in-central-asia/30515799.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-coronavirus-in-central-asia/30515799.html Sun, 29 Mar 2020 10:32:00 +0200 RFE/RL On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL's Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on the measures Central Asian governments are -- and are not -- taking as the numbers of those afflicted with the coronavirus rise. 00:41:39 full On this week's Majlis podcast), RFE/RL's media-relations manager, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion about the current situation for women in Central Asia, the progress being made, and the challenges that remain. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-challenges-central-asia-women-still-face/30475950.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-challenges-central-asia-women-still-face/30475950.html Sun, 08 Mar 2020 11:39:00 +0100 RFE/RL On this week's Majlis podcast), RFE/RL's media-relations manager, Muhammad Tahir, moderates a discussion about the current situation for women in Central Asia, the progress being made, and the challenges that remain. 00:41:59 full For almost a year now there have been peaceful, though often very passionate, demonstrations in major cities in Kazakhstan against government policies and top government figures. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-protests-in-kazakhstan-and-an-activist-s-death-in-police-custody-/30462540.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-protests-in-kazakhstan-and-an-activist-s-death-in-police-custody-/30462540.html Sun, 01 Mar 2020 11:26:00 +0100 RFE/RL For almost a year now there have been peaceful, though often very passionate, demonstrations in major cities in Kazakhstan against government policies and top government figures. 00:37:36 full Voters in Tajikistan go to the polls on March 1 to cast ballots in parliamentary elections. Some analysts are looking closely to see if there are any clues as to what might happen later this year when Tajikistan holds a presidential election. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-looking-for-clues-in-tajikistan-s-parliamentary-elections-/30449848.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-looking-for-clues-in-tajikistan-s-parliamentary-elections-/30449848.html Sun, 23 Feb 2020 11:27:00 +0100 RFE/RL Voters in Tajikistan go to the polls on March 1 to cast ballots in parliamentary elections. Some analysts are looking closely to see if there are any clues as to what might happen later this year when Tajikistan holds a presidential election. 00:39:26 full Authorities in Uzbekistan are calling on all the country’s students studying in neighboring Central Asian states to come back and continue their studies at schools in their homeland. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-bringing-uzbekistan-s-students-home-from-neighboring-central-asian-states-/30437013.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-bringing-uzbekistan-s-students-home-from-neighboring-central-asian-states-/30437013.html Sun, 16 Feb 2020 12:06:00 +0100 RFE/RL Authorities in Uzbekistan are calling on all the country’s students studying in neighboring Central Asian states to come back and continue their studies at schools in their homeland. 00:37:13 full The United States Strategy for Central Asia 2019-2025 was unveiled at an event hosted by the Heritage Foundation on February 5. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-united-states-unveils-its-strategy-for-central-asia/30424973.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-united-states-unveils-its-strategy-for-central-asia/30424973.html Sun, 09 Feb 2020 11:21:00 +0100 RFE/RL The United States Strategy for Central Asia 2019-2025 was unveiled at an event hosted by the Heritage Foundation on February 5. 00:44:50 full For the governments and people of Central Asia the virus that is spreading through neighboring China is a source of great concern. There are hundreds of Central Asian students at Chinese universities and thousands of Chinese workers in Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-and-the-coronavirus/30412758.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-and-the-coronavirus/30412758.html Sun, 02 Feb 2020 13:15:00 +0100 RFE/RL For the governments and people of Central Asia the virus that is spreading through neighboring China is a source of great concern. There are hundreds of Central Asian students at Chinese universities and thousands of Chinese workers in Central Asia. 00:33:41 full What has been happening to ethnic Kazakhs from China’s western Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region when they illegally cross the border and reach Kazakhstan? https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-what-happens-when-china-s-kazakhs-flee-to-kazakhstan-/30397596.html https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-what-happens-when-china-s-kazakhs-flee-to-kazakhstan-/30397596.html Sun, 26 Jan 2020 10:54:00 +0100 RFE/RL What has been happening to ethnic Kazakhs from China’s western Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region when they illegally cross the border and reach Kazakhstan? 00:42:53 full Inhabitants of large smog-laden cities in Central Asia already know how poor the air quality is where they live. How bad is the problem becoming, what is causing it, and what could possibly reverse the process? https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-air-pollution-smog-blackening-skies/30385765.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-air-pollution-smog-blackening-skies/30385765.html Sun, 19 Jan 2020 15:31:00 +0100 RFE/RL Inhabitants of large smog-laden cities in Central Asia already know how poor the air quality is where they live. How bad is the problem becoming, what is causing it, and what could possibly reverse the process? 00:38:26 full What are the signs Uzbekistan might be leaning toward joining the EES? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of joining? https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-will-uzbekistan-join-eurasian-union/30372990.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-will-uzbekistan-join-eurasian-union/30372990.html Sun, 12 Jan 2020 13:04:00 +0100 RFE/RL What are the signs Uzbekistan might be leaning toward joining the EES? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of joining? 00:41:11 full Uzbekistan’s upcoming parliamentary elections are receiving more attention than has been the case for many years. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-is-there-anything-different-about-uzbekistan-s-parliamentary-elections-this-time-/30326665.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-is-there-anything-different-about-uzbekistan-s-parliamentary-elections-this-time-/30326665.html Sun, 15 Dec 2019 12:43:00 +0100 RFE/RL Uzbekistan’s upcoming parliamentary elections are receiving more attention than has been the case for many years. 00:36:59 full The art exhibition Feminnale was supposed to provoke thought and reflection, but in Kyrgyzstan it sparked reaction from a nationalist group that led to the dismissal of a museum director and the removal of several of the works on display. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-backlash-against-art----and-feminism----in-kyrgyzstan-/30313990.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-backlash-against-art----and-feminism----in-kyrgyzstan-/30313990.html Sun, 08 Dec 2019 11:13:00 +0100 RFE/RL The art exhibition Feminnale was supposed to provoke thought and reflection, but in Kyrgyzstan it sparked reaction from a nationalist group that led to the dismissal of a museum director and the removal of several of the works on display. 00:36:35 full A recently released report by RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service, known locally as Azattyk, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), and its Kyrgyz member center Kloop, details an elaborate scheme involving Kyrgyzstan’s Customs Service that saw hundreds of millions of dollars of alleged ill-gotten gains transferred outside the country. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-s-kings-of-corruption-/30301518.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kyrgyzstan-s-kings-of-corruption-/30301518.html Sun, 01 Dec 2019 11:21:00 +0100 RFE/RL A recently released report by RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service, known locally as Azattyk, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), and its Kyrgyz member center Kloop, details an elaborate scheme involving Kyrgyzstan’s Customs Service that saw hundreds of millions of dollars of alleged ill-gotten gains transferred outside the country. 00:34:52 full The strategy covers cooperation between the EU and Central Asia across a wide number of areas; coping with climate change and development of renewable energy resources, security issues, border control and harmonizing customs and transit regulations to speed up trade between countries and between Europe and Asia, student and professor exchanges among academic institutions, improving the human rights situation in Central Asia, and other matters. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-eu-s-central-asia-strategy-for-future-cooperation/30276390.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-eu-s-central-asia-strategy-for-future-cooperation/30276390.html Sun, 17 Nov 2019 10:52:00 +0100 RFE/RL The strategy covers cooperation between the EU and Central Asia across a wide number of areas; coping with climate change and development of renewable energy resources, security issues, border control and harmonizing customs and transit regulations to speed up trade between countries and between Europe and Asia, student and professor exchanges among academic institutions, improving the human rights situation in Central Asia, and other matters. 00:27:03 full A November 6 attack on Tajik servicemen in a rural area of western Tajikistan near the Uzbek border remains a mystery due to the reluctance of the Dushanbe government to provide many details. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-terrorist-attack-tajikistan-fact-fiction/30262763.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-terrorist-attack-tajikistan-fact-fiction/30262763.html Sun, 10 Nov 2019 14:50:00 +0100 RFE/RL A November 6 attack on Tajik servicemen in a rural area of western Tajikistan near the Uzbek border remains a mystery due to the reluctance of the Dushanbe government to provide many details. 00:32:13 full Kazakhstan’s domestic political scene has been significantly more active since first President Nursultan Nazarbaev stepped down from office in March this year and installed Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev as his successor. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-protests-and-palace-intrigue-in-kazakhstan/30250641.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-protests-and-palace-intrigue-in-kazakhstan/30250641.html Sun, 03 Nov 2019 11:05:00 +0100 RFE/RL Kazakhstan’s domestic political scene has been significantly more active since first President Nursultan Nazarbaev stepped down from office in March this year and installed Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev as his successor. 00:36:20 full Nine journalists from RFE/RL’s Tajik Service appear to be just days away from losing their accreditation to report. The current dilemma facing Ozodi, one of the last independent sources of news inside Tajikistan, is the latest example of the slide in respect for human rights and media and political freedoms exhibited by the Tajik authorities. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia/30238726.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia/30238726.html Sun, 27 Oct 2019 11:04:00 +0100 RFE/RL Nine journalists from RFE/RL’s Tajik Service appear to be just days away from losing their accreditation to report. The current dilemma facing Ozodi, one of the last independent sources of news inside Tajikistan, is the latest example of the slide in respect for human rights and media and political freedoms exhibited by the Tajik authorities. 00:42:07 full It is cotton-harvesting time and in fields in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan that means tens of thousands of people are out picking cotton -- whether they like it or not. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-a-reality-check-on-uzbekistan-cotton-fields/30226290.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-a-reality-check-on-uzbekistan-cotton-fields/30226290.html Sun, 20 Oct 2019 12:54:00 +0200 RFE/RL It is cotton-harvesting time and in fields in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan that means tens of thousands of people are out picking cotton -- whether they like it or not. 00:46:02 full This latest episode of the Majlis podcast was taped at the Central Eurasian Studies Society conference at George Washington University. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-role-of-women-in-central-asian-governments/30214285.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-the-role-of-women-in-central-asian-governments/30214285.html Sun, 13 Oct 2019 12:05:00 +0200 Bruce Pannier, Muhammad Tahir This latest episode of the Majlis podcast was taped at the Central Eurasian Studies Society conference at George Washington University. 00:37:22 full What people wear on their heads in Central Asia is a matter of concern for the governments there. Many women have found themselves in trouble for wearing a hijab, and many men for wearing a beard. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-authorities-obsession-beards-and-hijabs/30201880.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-central-asia-authorities-obsession-beards-and-hijabs/30201880.html Sun, 06 Oct 2019 12:37:00 +0200 Bruce Pannier, Muhammad Tahir What people wear on their heads in Central Asia is a matter of concern for the governments there. Many women have found themselves in trouble for wearing a hijab, and many men for wearing a beard. 00:34:55 full Many people at these protests have voiced concerns about China’s growing economic presence in Kazakhstan. But previous demonstrations have also included criticisms of the number of Chinese workers in the country and Beijing’s treatment of ethnic Kazakhs in China's western Xinjiang region. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-chinese-influence-kazakhstan-demonstrations/30189819.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-chinese-influence-kazakhstan-demonstrations/30189819.html Sun, 29 Sep 2019 13:49:00 +0200 Bruce Pannier, Muhammad Tahir Many people at these protests have voiced concerns about China’s growing economic presence in Kazakhstan. But previous demonstrations have also included criticisms of the number of Chinese workers in the country and Beijing’s treatment of ethnic Kazakhs in China's western Xinjiang region. 00:31:14 full The Kyrgyz-Tajik border has been a flashpoint for many years now and despite a series of meetings of delegations of the two countries, and a recent meeting of the presidents in one of the areas where fighting has broken out several times over the years, the situation is at the least, no better, and some would argue it is worse now than ever before. https://www.rferl.org/a/cross-border-tensions-in-central-asia/30177681.html https://www.rferl.org/a/cross-border-tensions-in-central-asia/30177681.html Sun, 22 Sep 2019 12:06:00 +0200 RFE/RL The Kyrgyz-Tajik border has been a flashpoint for many years now and despite a series of meetings of delegations of the two countries, and a recent meeting of the presidents in one of the areas where fighting has broken out several times over the years, the situation is at the least, no better, and some would argue it is worse now than ever before. 00:29:19 full For years, rights groups have drawn attention to the dozens of people who have been imprisoned in Turkmenistan and never heard from again. https://www.rferl.org/a/turkmenistan-forced-disapperances/30165110.html https://www.rferl.org/a/turkmenistan-forced-disapperances/30165110.html Sun, 15 Sep 2019 10:06:00 +0200 RFE/RL For years, rights groups have drawn attention to the dozens of people who have been imprisoned in Turkmenistan and never heard from again. 00:39:17 full There has been talk lately that Kyrgyzstan’s first president, Askar Akaev, is looking to return to Kyrgyzstan. He has not been back there since April 2005 when he was ousted from power in Kyrgyzstan’s first revolution. https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-majlis/30152802.html https://www.rferl.org/a/podcast-majlis/30152802.html Sun, 08 Sep 2019 11:42:00 +0200 RFE/RL There has been talk lately that Kyrgyzstan’s first president, Askar Akaev, is looking to return to Kyrgyzstan. He has not been back there since April 2005 when he was ousted from power in Kyrgyzstan’s first revolution. 00:35:00 full Members of the Oyan Qazaqstan (Wake Up Kazakhstan) movement and others rallied in Almaty, Nursultan, and Shymkent on August 30, Kazakhstan’s Constitution Day.They called for changes in Kazakhstan, particularly constitutional reforms. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-youth/30140513.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-kazakhstan-youth/30140513.html Sun, 01 Sep 2019 11:21:00 +0200 RFE/RL Members of the Oyan Qazaqstan (Wake Up Kazakhstan) movement and others rallied in Almaty, Nursultan, and Shymkent on August 30, Kazakhstan’s Constitution Day.They called for changes in Kazakhstan, particularly constitutional reforms. 00:44:24 full Some feel the Kazakh authorities are trying to silence a critic of Chinese policies toward its Muslim minority before he sours Kazakh-Chinese economic ties. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-what-does-pressure-on-xinjiang-activist-in-kazakhstan-tell-us/30104210.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-what-does-pressure-on-xinjiang-activist-in-kazakhstan-tell-us/30104210.html Sun, 11 Aug 2019 12:24:00 +0200 RFE/RL Some feel the Kazakh authorities are trying to silence a critic of Chinese policies toward its Muslim minority before he sours Kazakh-Chinese economic ties. 00:39:49 full Kyrgyzstan’s current president, Sooronbai Jeenbekov, and former president, Almazbek Atamabaev, have been feuding for months. What does it mean and why is it significant? https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-a-russian-ingredient-in-a-kyrgyz-feud/30091580.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-a-russian-ingredient-in-a-kyrgyz-feud/30091580.html Sun, 04 Aug 2019 10:47:00 +0200 RFE/RL Kyrgyzstan’s current president, Sooronbai Jeenbekov, and former president, Almazbek Atamabaev, have been feuding for months. What does it mean and why is it significant? 00:42:42 full Amid rumors about the health of President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, we take a look at what is behind the facade the Turkmen government tries to show the world. https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-behind-turkmenistan-facade/30079596.html https://www.rferl.org/a/majlis-podcast-behind-turkmenistan-facade/30079596.html Sun, 28 Jul 2019 10:28:00 +0200 RFE/RL Amid rumors about the health of President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, we take a look at what is behind the facade the Turkmen government tries to show the world. 00:39:26 full https://www.rferl.org/a/30028602.html https://www.rferl.org/a/30028602.html Sun, 30 Jun 2019 13:06:00 +0200 RFE/RL 00:36:33 full Panelists discuss the rise of young people in Kazakhstan's politics, what they accomplished during the presidential campaign and election, and where such groups might be headed in the future. https://www.rferl.org/a/30002162.html https://www.rferl.org/a/30002162.html Sun, 16 Jun 2019 11:46:00 +0200 RFE/RL Panelists discuss the rise of young people in Kazakhstan's politics, what they accomplished during the presidential campaign and election, and where such groups might be headed in the future. 00:46:50 full On this week's Majlis, a look at the unexpected twists and turns of Kazakhstan’s presidential campaign and the possibility that there is more to come after the election. https://www.rferl.org/a/29987129.html https://www.rferl.org/a/29987129.html Fri, 07 Jun 2019 17:11:00 +0200 RFE/RL On this week's Majlis, a look at the unexpected twists and turns of Kazakhstan’s presidential campaign and the possibility that there is more to come after the election. 00:37:27 full Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion that looks at what has and has not changed in protecting women’s rights in Kyrgyzstan in the year since Burulai Turdaaly Kyzy was murdered. https://www.rferl.org/a/29976884.html https://www.rferl.org/a/29976884.html Sun, 02 Jun 2019 08:05:00 +0200 RFE/RL Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion that looks at what has and has not changed in protecting women’s rights in Kyrgyzstan in the year since Burulai Turdaaly Kyzy was murdered. 00:34:26 full This week, host Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on the recent deadly prison riots in Tajikistan. Some have questioned the accuracy of the information released by the Tajik government. https://www.rferl.org/a/29962513.html https://www.rferl.org/a/29962513.html Sat, 25 May 2019 09:31:00 +0200 RFE/RL This week, host Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion on the recent deadly prison riots in Tajikistan. Some have questioned the accuracy of the information released by the Tajik government. 00:40:12 full Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have adopted different policies regarding citizens who joined extremist groups in the Middle East and their possible repatriation. https://www.rferl.org/a/29950869.html https://www.rferl.org/a/29950869.html Sun, 19 May 2019 12:34:00 +0200 RFE/RL Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have adopted different policies regarding citizens who joined extremist groups in the Middle East and their possible repatriation. 00:36:33 full The run-up to Kazakhstan's June 9 snap presidential election has already been hard on the country's image. https://www.rferl.org/a/29935928.html https://www.rferl.org/a/29935928.html Sun, 12 May 2019 11:53:00 +0200 RFE/RL The run-up to Kazakhstan's June 9 snap presidential election has already been hard on the country's image. 00:47:52 full This week, RFE/RL's Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderated a discussion on press freedom in Central Asia: what went right during the last year; and what continues to go wrong. https://www.rferl.org/a/29921990.html https://www.rferl.org/a/29921990.html Sun, 05 May 2019 12:10:00 +0200 RFE/RL This week, RFE/RL's Media-Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir moderated a discussion on press freedom in Central Asia: what went right during the last year; and what continues to go wrong. 00:44:49 full This week’s Majlis comes from the Connecting Central Asia in the 21st Century conference hosted by Oxford University on April 25. https://www.rferl.org/a/29908445.html https://www.rferl.org/a/29908445.html Sun, 28 Apr 2019 10:43:00 +0200 Bruce Pannier This week’s Majlis comes from the Connecting Central Asia in the 21st Century conference hosted by Oxford University on April 25. 00:33:21 full This week the topic is the situation of Mahmadali Hayit, the deputy leader of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, who is seriously ill and has claimed he was tortured. https://www.rferl.org/a/29880036.html https://www.rferl.org/a/29880036.html Sun, 14 Apr 2019 11:50:00 +0200 RFE/RL This week the topic is the situation of Mahmadali Hayit, the deputy leader of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, who is seriously ill and has claimed he was tortured. 00:40:50 full On this week's Majlis podcast, we return to the topic of feminism in Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/29866128.html https://www.rferl.org/a/29866128.html Sun, 07 Apr 2019 10:32:00 +0200 RFE/RL On this week's Majlis podcast, we return to the topic of feminism in Central Asia. 00:44:45 full On this week's Majlis podcast, we're discussing water supplies and water use in Central Asia. https://www.rferl.org/a/29852429.html https://www.rferl.org/a/29852429.html Sun, 31 Mar 2019 09:54:00 +0200 RFE/RL On this week's Majlis podcast, we're discussing water supplies and water use in Central Asia. 00:42:58 full On this week's Majlis podcast, the resignation of former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev. Why now? And more importantly, what comes next? https://www.rferl.org/a/29840423.html https://www.rferl.org/a/29840423.html Mon, 25 Mar 2019 07:43:00 +0100 RFE/RL On this week's Majlis podcast, the resignation of former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev. Why now? And more importantly, what comes next? 00:42:50 full Gulnara Karimova's alleged violations of the law are now becoming clearer, but her personal situation inside Uzbekistan is shrouded in mystery. On this week's Majlis, we discuss what is known about her current situation and what her future prospects might be. https://www.rferl.org/a/29826181.html https://www.rferl.org/a/29826181.html Sun, 17 Mar 2019 10:41:00 +0100 RFE/RL Gulnara Karimova's alleged violations of the law are now becoming clearer, but her personal situation inside Uzbekistan is shrouded in mystery. On this week's Majlis, we discuss what is known about her current situation and what her future prospects might be. 00:35:28 full On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion of the Tajik government's worsening credibility. https://www.rferl.org/a/29813217.html https://www.rferl.org/a/29813217.html Sun, 10 Mar 2019 12:12:00 +0100 RFE/RL On this week's Majlis podcast, a discussion of the Tajik government's worsening credibility. 00:39:54 full