Caspian Region

Unexpectedly Large Crowds Converge on Azerbaijan’s Milli Yaylaq Festivalı

Georgians Grudgingly Accept Growing Russian Presence

Lake Urmia - an Ongoing Environmental Tragedy in Iran’s Azerbaijan Region

Abkhazia’s Dacha Giveaway Uproar

Central Asia Leaders' Meeting Fizzles as Tajiks, Turkmens Refuse to Sign Treaty

Azerbaijan’s First Set of Returnees Head for the Completely Reconceived “Smart Village” of Aghali

At Least 16 Arrested at Protests at Drying Lake in Iran

EU Pushes Back Re-Examining Georgia’s Candidacy Until 2023

Activists Urge Iranian Women to Publicly Unveil, as Hijab Supporters Gather in Iran

An Upbeat Assessment for Azerbaijan Inward Investors

Turkiye Looking to Transit Turkmen Gas Via Azerbaijan

Saakashvili Proposes Creating a Dual Georgian-Abkhazian Federation

Karakalpakstan – Violent Protests Rock Central Asia’s Least Known Republic

Fatalities Reported As Earthquake Rocks Southern Iran

Pride Week Kicks Off in Tbilisi with Strong Support from Ambassadors

Queer rights advocacy group Tbilisi Pride has launched Pride Week in Tbilisi with a film screening.

Putin’s First Foreign Trip Since the Start of the Ukraine War

Armenia Diaspora Faces Waning Influence on Turkey, Azerbaijan Negotiations

Recent moves toward restoring relations with Armenia’s traditional enemies have run into strong resistance from the global diaspora. But will it make a difference?

Kazakh Tycoon Gives Up Stake in Major Oil Trader

EU's Borrell in Tehran for Talks on Reviving Iran's 2015 Nuclear Pact

Ulytau – the Kurultai Comes Home

Nationality Switch Allows Russia-born Dzalamidze to Play Wimbledon

European Countries Ask Azerbaijan for Gas, President Aliyev Says

Foreign Green Investments in Karabakh Promise More Than a Zero-emissions Future

Georgia's Borjomi Fizzes Amid Water Production Dispute

A day after Georgia's government announced it had taken over a majority stake in the iconic Borjomi bottled-water brand, workers remain on strike and the precious liquid is running straight into the town's river.

Azerbaijani, Russian State Media in Tit-For-Tat Attacks

Azerbaijan blocked a Russian state news agency after it published pro-Armenian articles; now Moscow is hitting back, threatening Azerbaijani state media for being pro-Ukraine.

Turkmenistan Streamlines Transit of Uzbek Cargoes to and from Iran

Kyrgyzstan Studies Neighbors’ Experiences Returning Children from Islamic State

Carrying Bare Tablecloths, Iranian Pensioners Protest For Third Day

Russia and the Looming Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Deal

Amid all the attention on the war in Ukraine, two historic foes in the South Caucasus are close to reaching a peace agreement that would help alleviate Armenia’s isolation. The potential rapprochement is in parallel to progress on establishing diplomatic ties between Armenia and Turkey. Together, these factors can potentially upend the geopolitics of the South Caucasus.

Azerbaijan Works to Revive Recaptured Karabakh Resort of Shusha

Lack of Cimate-change Research in Central Asia Raises Odds of Harsh Consequences

A new report highlights gaps in understanding of how climate change will impact the region.

Israel Says Iran Used Stolen U.N. Watchdog Documents to Evade Nuclear Probes

South Ossetia Cancels Referendum on Joining Russia

South Ossetian President Alan Gagloyev has signed a decree suspending a planned referendum on the annexation of South Ossetia by Russia, South Ossetian state-news agency RES has reported.

How Hard Can It Be to Mark a Border?

Delimitation and demarcation of the border is a harder challenge than it seems for Azerbaijan and Armenia. Base maps, Soviet-era exclaves and changing on-the-ground realities categorize the issues.

Armenian, Azerbaijani Delegations Meet on Border to Advance Peace Process

While Russia Fights in Ukraine, its Neighbours are Nervously Looking Elsewhere

Azerbaijani and Armenian Leaders Meet on Karabakh

Nine Killed in Clash in Eastern Tajikistan

Decisions in Dushanbe?

Azerbaijan 5, Armenia 6 – But What Are the ‘Secret Points’?  

The South Caucasus and Central Asia: Diversifying the EU Gas Market

Armenian Police Detain Protesters Calling for PM to Step Down

Beauty Ban: Turkmenistan Puts Severe Restrictions On Women's Appearance, Ability To Travel

Agdam – A Phoenix Preparing to Rise from the Flames

Armenian, Turkish Envoys Agree To Continue Efforts At Normalizing Ties

Kazakhstan: Political Party Reshuffle Hints at the Arrival of a New Order

Tokayev says he wants to see more competition, but he clearly wants his former Amanat party to be first among equals.

South Caucasus Development and Cooperation International Conference

Kidnapped Outside Mariupol

Huseyn Abdullayev, an Azerbaijani student held for a month by Russian troops, tells of daily abuse, torture, and apparent extrajudicial executions. 

Unrest Bubbles up in Armenia

Kazakhstan May Punish Russian TV Host Over 'Look at Ukraine' Threat

Armenia and Russia Working to Dedollarize Bilateral Trade

The central banks are discussing a ruble-dram exchange to facilitate the move from dollars.

Pashinyan Warns Armenians to Lower Their Expectations on the Karabakh Status Issue

Armenia, Azerbaijan Make Progress Toward Peace Deal

South Ossetia Says it Will Seek to Join Russia

It’s not the first time the breakaway Georgian territory’s de facto authorities have signaled the intention. In the past Russia has blown the calls off, but its calculations may be different now.

What’s Happening in Snowy Karabakh?

Azerbaijani Student Reportedly Captured by Russian Troops in Mariupol

A 20-year-old Azerbaijani student has reportedly been captured by ethnic Chechen Russian troops in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol as he was attempting to flee the country.

Azerbaijan, Iran Sign Transport Deal Bypassing Armenia

The route is an alternative to a corridor crossing Armenia, one of Azerbaijan’s key demands since the 2020 ceasefire.

Post-War Status Quo in South Caucasus Trembles While Russia Fights on in Ukraine

Uzbekistan Calls for an End to Aggression in Ukraine

Tashkent’s support for Ukraine's territorial integrity is notable considering its deep diplomatic and economic ties with Russia.

Interview With Rap Artist Payam Turk: My Music Breaks Stereotypes Around Azerbaijani-Turkish in Iran

Armenia Anticipates Influx of Russian Businesses, Capital

As they struggle to manage the new sanctions regime, many Russian IT firms are looking at Armenia as a potential new home.

Russian Migration: 25 000 Russians and Counting Seeking a New Life in Georgia

More than 4,300 Detained at Anti-War Protests in Russia

‘Why I Burnt My Russian Internal Passport’

At a demonstration in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, on 25 February, Anton Mikhalchuk, a citizen of Russia, set alight his Russian internal passport, his identification documents, in support of Ukraine. Anton tells the story of fleeing to Georgia from repression in his homeland, and what Russia’s invasion of Ukraine means to him.

The Countries of the South Caucasus Cautiously Follow the Russia-Ukraine War

UEFA Praises FK Qarabag After Loss to Marseille

Azerbaijani MPs Visit Armenia for the First Time in a Decade

Two Azerbaijani MPs have visited Yerevan as participants in the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly hosted by Armenia. The last time Azerbaijani MPs had stepped foot on Armenian soil was in 2012.

The View from Yerevan: A Conversation with Richard Giragosian

The Return of More Armenian Detainees and Azerbaijani MIA Remains. Small Steps Towards Peace?

Armenia, Georgia Battle over Yogurt

The Caucasus neighbors have started a food fight over the fermented milk product that is the region’s pride and joy.

Azerbaijan Returns Eight Captured Armenian Soldiers

Georgia’s Displaced People: A Life in Limbo

The suicide of a man who was forced to flee Abkhazia 30 years ago has put the spotlight on the emotional and economic plight of hundreds of thousands of Georgian IDPs.

Armenian Foreign Minister to Visit Turkey After Decades of Animosity

All Aboard to Shusha – An Interview with One of the New Route's First Passengers

Central Asia Struck by Major Region-wide Blackout

The cause of the blackout is not yet clear, but fingers are being pointed at Kazakhstan.

Armenian President Resigns Saying Constitution Doesn't Give Him Enough Influence

Giga Chikadze – Georgia’s High-flying Fighter Aims for the UFC Featherweight Crown

British Council Confirms Release of Iranian Employee Amiri

Turkmenistan Plans to Extinguish One of its Top Tourist Attractions

Kazakh President Issues Shoot-to-Kill Order as Violence Continues

From Stability to Turmoil - What's Going On in Kazakhstan

Kazakh President Says Government 'Will Not Fall' Amid Protests

Kazakhstan Abolishes the Death Penalty

Kyrgyzstan: Town Near Tajik Border Renamed in Nationalist Gesture

Isfana is to be renamed after a venerated first secretary of the Kyrgyz Communist Party.

Pashinyan’s Christmas Message

Chess King Carlsen Loses to 17-year-old Uzbek Sensation

Magnus Carlsen was beaten at the World Rapid Championship by an Uzbek youngster.

French Tourist Jailed in Iran Goes on Hunger Strike

OneWeb Launches 36 Satellites into Orbit from Kazakhstan

Railway Linkages Between Armenia and Azerbaijan to Restart – Brussels Meeting Produces an Apparent Breakthrough

Turkey Says Russia to Host Initial South Caucasus Peace Meeting Friday

The International Court of Justice Tells Both Azerbaijan and Armenia to Tone Down the Ethnic Discord

Another Maps-for-Detainees Deal Sees 10 Captured Armenians Return Home from Azerbaijan

Iran Nuclear Talks on Brink of Crisis as They Adjourn Until Next Week

New American Company Seeks to Realize Trans-Caspian Pipe Dream

The new proposal’s modest scope, and new diplomatic developments, could finally make the pipeline feasible.

Iran, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Sign Gas Swap Deal

Putin Hosts Armenia, Azerbaijan For Talks On Border And Return To 'Normal Life'

Protesters, Police Clash in Central Iran after Rally over Water Shortages

Power Outage: Winter is Starting to Look Colder and Darker for Kyrgyzstan

Pashinyan, Aliyev, and Putin to Hold Summit in Sochi

Armenia and Azerbaijan agree to talks in Brussels to overcome tensions, EU says

Armenia and Azerbaijan Agree Ceasefire after Border Clash - Armenia

Armenian PM Accuses Azerbaijani forces of Breaching Border, Sacks Defence Minister

Migration Out of Armenia Spikes

A struggling economy and defeat in last year’s war appear to be driving large numbers of Armenians to leave the country.

Re-thinking the Baku Metro Map

Uzbekistan: Isolated Exclave Excited About New Air Link

Georgian PM Says Hunger-Striking Saakashvili Has 'Right To Commit Suicide'

Tajikistan: Trouble with the Neighbours

Uzbek President Secures Second Term in Landslide Victory

Hunger-striking Former Georgian Leader Gets Blood Transfusion - Interfax

Iran Appears to Accept Azerbaijan’s Concerns over Cross-border Supply Routes as Truckers are Released

‘Zangezur Corridor’ Closer to Realization as Armenia Readies to Normalize Relations With Turkey and Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Wants World Court to Order Armenia to Hand Over Landmine Maps

Saakashvili’s Hunger Strike Goes On

Azerbaijan Retakes Offensive in Rhetorical War with Iran

Are Armenia & Azerbaijan Edging a Little Closer Towards Conflict Resolution?

Azerbaijan Jump-starts a Series of Economic Projects in its De-occupied Regions

Iran & Azerbaijan Indulge in Some Geopolitical Chest-beating

Saakashvili Pops Up and Gets Arrested In the Latest Act of Georgia’s Ever-exciting Political Theatre

Azerbaijan-Armenia: the Conflict Takes a Legal Turn

Pianist Beisembayev 'On Cloud Nine' After Winning Leeds Competition

Azerbaijan Music Day Celebrated in Shusha for the First Time

The Singer of ‘Separation’ Dies of Covid-19

Prospects of Armenia-Turkey Normalization Appear Closer Than Ever

Unlike the last time the two sides explored restoring ties, Azerbaijan doesn’t seem to be trying to play the spoiler. But questions remain about Russia’s involvement in the process.

Reaction Split on Women-Only Taxi Service in Georgia

Iran Gives a Sigh of Relief as its Navy Gets Home Safely from a Nose-thumbing Atlantic Voyage

Iran Agrees to Keep Surveillance Cameras Running for the UN’s Nuclear Watchdog

Agdam City Declared Clear of Landmines

War Games See Several Caspian Nations Sending Their Tanks into Action

Azerbaijan, Iran and Uzbekistan Celebrate a Sweep of Successes at the Tokyo Paralympics

Georgian Government Rejects EU Aid

COVID-19 Update - Russia and Central Asia

In part two of our country-by-country overview of the Caspian region’s Covid situation, we examine Russia and Central Asia

COVID-19 Update – South Caucasus and Iran

As the fight against COVID-19 continues, we examine the widely differing responses of each Caspian region country in battling the epidemic. In this, part one, we look at Iran and the South Caucasus.

Kazakhstan Defence Minister Resigns after Fatal Explosion that ‘Looked Like a Nuclear Strike’

Armenia’s North-South Artery Cut for Two Days After Border Incident

A Month of Sadarak Shootings

A flashpoint for un-Biblical burning bushes sees regular shooting incidents in a continuing low-level conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Georgia’s First-Ever Olympic Gold Medalist Charged with Premeditated Murder

A Renewed Caucasus Arms Race?

Stifling Summer Heat Brings Water Shortages to the Biggest Ethnic-Armenian City in Azerbaijan

Gold and Wind on the Borderline –the Mine and Turbines That Got Caught Up in a Frontier Dispute

Kazakh Language Police Trigger Russian Politicians

Fringe Kazakh nationalists are giving politicians in Moscow something to campaign about.

Saving the Planet While Making Cities More People-friendly: Transit-Oriented Development in a Caspian Context

Brotherly Love in Times of Trouble: Azerbaijan Sends its Top Fire-fighting Force to Turkey

Five Presidents Meet at the “Caspian’s Las Vegas”

Bringing it Home: Caspian Triumphs at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

Raisi’s Inauguration: Who Came?

Ship Attacks in the Gulf of Oman. What’s Happening and Why Now?

Turkish Wildfires Are Worst Ever, Erdogan Says, as Power Plant Breached

Ceasefire Called After Three Armenian Soldiers Killed in Clashes with Azerbaijan

Water Shortage Protests in Khuzestan Province Spill Over to Tehran

Russia Disconnects from Internet in Tests as It Bolsters Security - RBC Daily

More Skirmishes at Yeraskh/Heydarabad - Loose Triggers in A Sensitive Zone?

Georgian Government under Fire for Investigations into Far-right Violence

Rather than trying to punish the perpetrators of the attacks on journalists and LGBTQ+ activists, the authorities seem intent on blaming the victims.

Border Shootout - Tensions Between Azerbaijan and Armenia Erupt in Violence

Protests Continue to Fill Tbilisi Streets after Cameraman Found Dead

A New Orient Express

Azerbaijan Bans More Plastic

The country follows Georgia and Turkey in banning most disposable plastic products.

Maps for Detainees – Round 2

Tbilisi Pride Under Attack Again

Çavuşoğlu and Lavrov in Antalya

Armenia’s Battles with Industrial River Pollution

An important fight on which Armenians and Azerbaijanis share a common concern

Armenians on Trial in Baku

The United States and the Caspian: Doing All the Right Things?

Section 907 has been waived annually for the last 19 years. It's time for repeal.

“Hard-liner” Raisi and the Lowest Voter Turnout in Iranian History

It's Getting Personal... Elections in Armenia

The 2021 Parliamentary Elections in Armenia are increasingly about two people.

Judge Sanctioned by U.S. Set to Take Over Iran Presidency

Turkey, Azerbaijan and Russia Resolved to Make Karabakh Prosper, Says Erdogan

Minefield Maps - What About the Rest of Them?

At a recent rally, Armenia’s acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan admitted that the mine-maps handed over to Azerbaijan in return for the release of 15 Armenian detainees, were just a fraction of those originally held.

Deal Provides Another Important Step Towards Peace in Karabakh

ECHR Rejects Armenia's Request for Azerbaijan to Release Prisoners - AZ Foreign Ministry

Baku Reports Another Attack on Azerbaijani Positions by Armenian Army

Baku Claims Detention of Armenian Serviceman Infiltrating Azerbaijani Territory

Georgia Re-opens its Land Borders to Private Citizens

Since the start of June, Georgia’s land borders have finally reopened. Here’s a summary of what you need to know if you’re planning a trip.

Journalists and Official Killed in Landmine Explosion near Azerbaijan-Armenia Border

Baku Calls for Beginning Demarcation of Azerbaijan-Armenia Border — Foreign Ministry

Azerbaijan Intercepts Armenian Drone on the Border

Baku Backs Russia’s Proposal for Solution to Azerbaijan’s Border Dispute with Armenia — PM

Azerbaijan Urges Armenia to Refrain from Steps that Escalate Tensions in Region

Azerbaijan Arrests Armenian Soldiers amid Rising Border Tensions

Azerbaijan Denies Claims of Opening Fire at Border

Kazakhstan Rolls Out App to Control Access to Public Areas

Russia Offers to Help Demarcate Armenia-Azerbaijan Border After Incursion Row

An ‘Invasion’ or a False Flag Media Smokescreen? What’s Happening in Syunik?

Azerbaijan Dismisses Accusations from Armenia of Violating its Borders

President of Azerbaijan Says "Nagorno Karabakh" No Longer Exists

Nine Killed, Many Wounded in Russian School Shooting

Georgian Opposition Leader Walks Free After Court Ruling

Russian Military in Armenia Reinforce Areas Near Azerbaijani Border-agencies

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan Agree Ceasefire after Border Clashes

Moscow Decries 'Unfriendly Actions' as U.S. Ends Visa Services for Most Russians