Central Asia

  1. Khamenei’s Plan for Iran

    Central AsiaPoliticsIran

    Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has hinted the office of the presidency could be abolished. The move may be less about himself, and more about the succession.

  2. Hamid Karzai’s Poison Pill

    Central AsiaPoliticsAfghanistan

    The Afghan president has laid out the conditions for an extended U.S. military presence. But with opposition to his rule growing, can Karzai hold on?

  3. Spotting Nuclear Weapons Scientists

    Central AsiaSecurityIran

    The latest IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear program highlighted the danger of nuclear researchers selling their skills. Can anything be done?

  4. Why China and Russia Help Iran

    Central AsiaSecurityIran

    A new UN Security Council resolution expresses concern over Iran’s nuclear program, but offers little to stop it. China and Russia are happy for it to stay that way.

  5. Can Turkey Save Afghanistan?

    Central AsiaSecurityAfghanistan

    A trilateral conference this month highlighted the possibilities – and limits – to Turkey’s new Central Asia diplomacy drive.

  6. Memo to Iran: Obama Won’t Let It Go

    Central AsiaSecurityIran

    The latest IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear program has strengthened the hand of those calling for tougher action. But the U.S. should open the diplomacy door wider.

  7. Getting Ready for the IAEA Storm

    Central AsiaSecurityIran

    It’s unclear whether the new IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear program has anything new. But even before its release, Israel has stoked speculation of a military strike.