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Kyrgyzstan

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LGBTQ Russians are fleeing to Central Asia

LGBTQ

When Russia started drafting men to fight in Ukraine last fall, thousands fled to neighboring countries in Central Asia. The draft has been paused and some are returning home. But less so for members of the LGBTQ community, who say the government’s increasing hostility has made Russia unsafe.

In this photo taken on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, an elderly man sits inside a bus in the station of Moscow, Russia. More and more migrants from the Central Asia are coming come to Moscow in search of work.

Russia’s war creates economic hardships for Central Asian migrants

Ukraine
The walnut forests of southern Kyrgyzstan sprawl along the tops of steep hills. They are believed to be the largest natural walnut forest on earth.

Kyrgyzstan’s walnut forests dwindle with increased cattle farming, climate change

Environment
Many of the Jewish graves in Kyrgyzstan are adorned with Stars of David.

The Jewish graves in Kyrgyzstan are fading. But a small Jewish community continues to thrive. 

History
The World

Russian-style anti-gay legislation has inspired homophobic attacks in Kyrgyzstan

Justice

World powers battle for influence over Central Asia

Central Asia has long been the focus of tense geopolitical battles between world powers. The latest one started more than a decade ago, when the United States turned the region into a primary staging ground for its war in Afghanistan. A three-way struggle has since emerged between the U.S., China and Russia.

Turmoil in Kyrgyzstan

Unrest in the Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan may endanger a US military base key to operations in Afghanistan.

US relationship with oppressive regimes under scrutiny

Global Politics

Washington’s past compromises now plagues its policy throughout the Arab World: supporting an unpopular strongman in exchange for a military stronghold.

Kyrgyzstan’s Akyn Poets

Arts, Culture & Media

As the Kyrgyzstan’s fledgling democracy moves forward, the local media have been covering events closely. But so has an older, arguably more powerful institution in Kyrgyzstan.

The World

Where Apples Come From

Arts, Culture & Media

For our Geo Quiz, we want to know where apples originated, thousands of years ago. Scientists point to a Central Asian mountain range where Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and China meet.