Politics & Economy
Aliyev In Berlin
The Azerbaijani President continued a week of international globetrotting spending Friday at Germany’s Petersberg Climate Dialogue, part of the important preparations for the 2024 COP29 meetings to be held in Baku.
27 April 2024
Mark Elliott
The Lachin Road—A Big Deal in 2023 but Now Fading into Memory
Mark Elliott
Historic Accord: Armenia and Azerbaijan Agree on Border Demarcation, Return of Gazakh Villages
Onnik James Krikorian
Georgian Parliament Passed Russian-Style Draft Bill on Foreign Agents with the First Hearing on the Plenary Session
Alexander Davitashvili
Georgian Foreign Agent Law Passes First Committee Amidst Protests and Blows in Parliament
OC Media
Caucasus
View allAliyev In Berlin
The Azerbaijani President continued a week of international globetrotting spending Friday at Germany’s Petersberg Climate Dialogue, part of the important preparations for the 2024 COP29 meetings to be held in Baku.
Mark Elliott
Positive signs of a rapprochement between Azerbaijan and Armenia?
Since before the break-up of the USSR, Armenia and Azerbaijan have seen each other as mortal enemies, yet normalizing relations could be a win-win situation. Comments from both Baku and Yerevan this week suggest that moves toward this normalization might finally be on the horizon.
Mark Elliott
The Lachin Road—A Big Deal in 2023 but Now Fading into Memory
On 23/24 April 2023, just one year ago today, observers doubted the wisdom of Baku’s decision to install a checkpoint on the Lachin Road. Today, with the whole situation changed, Azerbaijan reflects on a crucial move in the long game of regaining full control over Karabakh.
Mark Elliott
Central Asia
View allTajikistan Going All In On Hydropower, Doubters Be Damned
Despite mounting costs and concerns about sustainability surrounding Tajikistan's Roghun "megadam," the nation's leadership is doubling down on its hydropower bet. Will it pay off in a region grappling with power shortages and climate change challenges?
Chris Rickleton
Kyrgyzstan Seeks a Restart of Uranium Mining, And a Russian-Built Nuclear Plant
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov is seeking to end the country’s ban on uranium mining citing the economic benefits, but activists have environmental concerns.
Chris Rickleton and RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service
Turkmenistan: Sowing the Seeds
The Trans-Afghan TAPI natural gas pipeline remains stuck in limbo, while an Iran-Pakistan pipeline could undermine its financial viability.
Iran
View allTehran Police to Launch New Phase of Hijab Enforcement
Despite the new 'hijab and chastity' bill still needing approval from Iran's Guardian Council, Tehran police have announced that they will tighten enforcement on hijab wearing following a directive from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
RFE/RL
Baku Said to Be Preparing to Reopen Tehran Embassy After Attack
After closing following the January 2023 armed attack, Azerbaijan is preparing to reopen its embassy in Tehran, signalling a potential thaw in relations between the two countries.
RFE/RL's Radio Farda
More Iranian Students Barred From Studies Over Protest Activities As Crackdown Continues
At least five students have been barred from attending classes at Iran’s Soore University in the country’s latest crackdown on signs of dissent.
Ardeshir Tayebi
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Mixed Outcomes for Armenia as Brussels Meeting Highlights Regional Challenges
8 April 2024
Onnik James KrikorianGeorgian Dream Reinitiates Russian-Style Foreign Agent Bill
5 April 2024
Alexander DavitashviliArmenia and Azerbaijan Ponder Return of Non-Enclave Gazakh Villages
14 March 2024
Onnik James KrikorianArmenia, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye Discuss Peace, Development and Connectivity in the South Caucasus at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum
8 March 2024
Onnik James Krikorian