Central Asian spymasters want to return Russia's focus to Afghanistan

In midst of discreet presidential succession war, security officials sharpen their blades 

Succession planning is a highly secretive affair and the country's political and security corridors are awash with rumours. Next-in-line for leadership is Rustam Emomali, the son of current president Emomali Rahmon. But security officers and business leaders have emerged as contenders.

Kazakhstan's security council drafts new military doctrine 

The Kazakh government's desire to strengthen its grip on the security apparatus has prompted it to launch an ambitious project to reform it, which is being carried out by recently appointed officials.

The fate of Nagorno-Karabakh hinges on the war in Ukraine  Free

Baku is walking on eggshells trying to maintain a delicate diplomatic equilibrium between the normalisation process begun with Yerevan, its partnership with Turkey and a brand new rapprochment with Moscow. Meanwhile, on the ground, an information war is quietly being waged.

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Afghan tensions affords Bishkek spymasters strategic regional role 

Taking advantage of the renewed prominence of Central Asia following the Afghan outbursts, the Kyrgyz spymasters are seeking to consolidate their position and to assert the interests of Bishkek in the regional dynamics between Beijing, Islamabad and New Delhi.