Politics & Economy

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.

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.

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.

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?

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov is seeking to end the country’s ban on uranium mining citing the economic benefits, but activists have environmental concerns.

The Trans-Afghan TAPI natural gas pipeline remains stuck in limbo, while an Iran-Pakistan pipeline could undermine its financial viability.

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.

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.

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.