Central Asia
Afghan Taliban will need to clarify terrorism stance
The Taliban have been fighting Islamic State militants in Kabul, days after the al-Qaida chief was killed in the city
AfghanistanRussian president takes time for low-value trip
In a rare trip abroad, the Russian president is touring Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, the latter for a Caspian summit
RussiaRussia cannot expect Central Asian backing for war
Despite close ties with Moscow, Central Asian states, especially the two largest, have not fallen in line on the war
Central AsiaIslamic State attacks challenge Afghan Taliban power
Islamic State's Afghan branch is targeting Shia Muslims and claims to have attacked Uzbekistan
AfghanistanKazakh leader manages domestic and external pressures
Kazakhstan's leadership is dealing with a difficult neighbourhood as well as concerns about instability at home
KazakhstanTurkmen leader prepares for dynastic succession
Turkmenistan's president sets an early election date and says he is stepping down after 15 years
TurkmenistanRussia turns security bloc into agile policy tool
Moscow has exploited a crisis in Kazakhstan by acting resolutely but with restraint, creating a new foreign policy tool
RussiaKazakhstan will reassure investors as reforms unfold
The president is promising improvements to people's lives to reduce protest risk and keep foreign investors in place
Kazakhstan
