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News about politics, economics and social trends in the post-Soviet republics of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Russia
A brief history of corruption in Ukraine: the Yanukovych era
After assuming the presidency, Yanukovych seemed to embrace a time-tested approach of using Ukraine’s notoriously corrupt judicial system to consolidate his political authority. He quickly moved to prosecute his main political rival, Yulia Tymoshenko, his most serious challenger in …
IMF calls for fiscal reforms in Kazakhstan | Eurasianet
Oct 15, 2024 · The Kazakh government’s reliance on the National Fund, according to the IMF statement, fuels inflationary tendencies. “Inadequate budget planning and lower-than-expected tax revenues in recent years have had a negative impact on the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation,” according to the statement. So far in 2024, the ...
Perspectives: Iran adapting to altered geopolitical landscape in …
Apr 4, 2024 · Iran and Azerbaijan recently smoothed over their historically prickly relationship, while Iran’s traditionally tight ties with Armenia are coming under increasing strain. (Photo: president.az) Iran is finding it increasingly challenging to maintain its balanced approach in the Caucasus. Fresh developments keep jiggling Tehran’s diplomatic ...
Concerns over conscription in Abkhazia as Russia mobilizes
Sep 23, 2022 · Concerns over conscription in Abkhazia as Russia mobilizes. In South Ossetia, meanwhile, the authorities have remained completely silent on the issue. Most residents in both territories hold Russian citizenship, raising the prospect they could be drafted. Sep 23, 2022. Soldiers in Abkhazia's armed forces. (photo: de facto Defense Ministry of ...
A brief history of corruption in Ukraine: the dawn of the Zelensky era
Jun 17, 2020 · A brief history of corruption in Ukraine: the dawn of the Zelensky era. The comedian-turned-president finds that taming corruption is no joke. Part 6 in a series. Volodymyr Zelensky’s inauguration as Ukraine’s sixth president on May 20, 2019 was as unorthodox as his profile as a presidential candidate.
Azerbaijan steps back on demands for “Zangezur Corridor”
Feb 22, 2023 · The "corridor" Azerbaijan wanted would have run through Armenia's Syunik province. (photo: Jelger Groeneveld/CC) Azerbaijan has offered a new proposal to Armenia in the ongoing peace negotiations between the two countries: to allow Armenian checks of Azerbaijani traffic along what Baku calls the “Zangezur Corridor,” in exchange for the establishment of Azerbaijani checkpoints on the road ...
Armenia considers possible future outside Russia-led military bloc
Dec 20, 2023 · Armenia's possible exit from the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is being discussed more and more actively as differences grow between Yerevan and Moscow. Many in Armenia are wondering what the point is of remaining in a military alliance that has demonstrated its unwillingness to protect the country.
Georgian-American ties hit low point in post-Soviet history
Oct 16, 2024 · Loyalists of the Georgian opposition want to believe the billionaire is simply controlled by Moscow and, as such, is forced to reorient Georgia’s external partnerships 90 degrees north. Not everyone is convinced. “I personally don’t believe Ivanishvili is Russia’s asset,” the former American official told Eurasianet.
Tajikistan: Enlistment-dodging pushes recruiters to use ever-more ...
Jul 21, 2023 · Kidnapping, intimidation, and blackmail are just some of the means used to hit enlistment quotas. Jul 21, 2023. Military service last two years and involves a sustained and brutal period of hazing. (Photo: Government handout) When conscription season comes around in Tajikistan, recruiters begin resorting to desperate measures.