Focus in #CentralAsia now obviously on #Kazakhstan, but see this important statement out today by NINE #humanrights orgs Freedom Now @iphr Freedom House calling for immediate release of #Tajik activist #MahmadaliHayit, who has been tortured in prison: hrw.org/news/2019/03/2…

Aigerim Toleukhan: "As most Kazakhstanis in Astana that day were coming home from work, little did they know that by the time they arrived back their capital’s would now be Nursultan."

I hope you're right, Bruce Pannier! "His decision to leave office voluntarily might prove his most significant contribution to his country."

With contributions from: Asel Doolotkeldieva; Dr. Aijan Sharshenova; Gulzat Baialieva & Joldon Kutmanaliev; Eric McGlinchey; Sardorbek Abdukhalilov; Aksana Ismailbekova; @RyskeldiSatke; Shirin Aitmatova; Эрнест Жанаев; Elira Turdubaeva; MediaPolicyInstitute & ARTICLE 19 Europe; Jasmine Cameron; & Adam Hug

'The populist and nationalist threat to human rights in Kyrgyzstan' by Eric McGlinchey Read his contribution in our latest publication - Retreating Rights: Examining the pressure on human rights in #Kyrgyzstan ⬇️ fpc.org.uk/the-populist-a…

Quick running of the numbers using 2006-2020 Kazakh public opinion surveys. Approval of Russian leadership declined from 86% in 2007 to 54% in 2020. Russian CSTO troops may face a chilly reception in Kazakhstan.

Hoping this might be true.

Friends, among the many people in #Ukraine in need of urgent help are #LGBT+ folks who are facing new challenges in the current environment. Consider supporting Insight and its efforts to provide for basic needs, relocation, & shelter bit.ly/donate_insight

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine | PONARS Eurasia Insights ponarseurasia.org/war/ via PONARS Eurasia

Children arrested in Moscow for placing flowers at the gate of the Ukrainian embassy. Yet another sign of Putin's increasingly desperate regime. echo.msk.ru/news/2988309-e…

Story about our Ukraine events app: gmu.edu/news/2022-03/n… Eric McGlinchey Schar School

Jill and I want to extend our best wishes to all who are celebrating Nowruz around the world. The Nowruz holiday means gathering at the Nowruz table to give thanks for loved ones, reflect on your blessings, and welcome all the possibilities of a new season. Happy Nowruz!

It's out! A book that could also be called "everything you wanted to know about Central Asia but were afraid to ask" (throwback Tuesday...) Policy peeps: there is also a chapter I co-authored on how to *use* the book.

All sophomores, juniors, and seniors can still enroll for fall in the International Relations Policy Task Force! Get ready to network with subject experts, earn course credit, and have the opportunity to study abroad during spring break. Visit schar.gmu.edu/communities

Washington Post's John Woodrow Cox has a powerful story on Caitlyne Gonzales, a 10-year-old Uvalde survivor who is now fighting to end gun violence. Challenging but essential reading.

Will Allison Silberberg Alexandria Police issue statement similar one Chief Charlie Beck Mayor Karen Bass issued? Kids Alexandria City Public Schools should not fear deportation.

.Olya Oliker aka Dr. Olga Oliker (she/her) & @DrJMankoff talk Kyrgyzstan w/ Amb. Kadyr M. Toktogul & Eric McGlinchey on our latest podcast Listen: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/rus…

Tursunbai Bakir uulu explaining the collapse of US soft power in Kyrgyzstan. One of many KG colleagues helping us make sense of the stats.

"Up to 11" Bruce Pannier, this has to be your headline.

As w/ Tsarnaev brothers, so too did Saipov radicalize in the US, not in Central Asia. Extreme vetting will not address why men like Saipov, Tsarnaevs, Lanza, Roof murder. It's too easy & politically expedient to look abroad when the problem lies within. washingtonpost.com/news/post-poli…