As Russia grapples with the war in Ukraine, China is deepening its security footprint in Central Asia most recently by signing a new military agreement with Tajikistan. What does this tell us about Beijing's ambitions and how the region is adapting to a new reality on the ground?
The Pamiris, the native inhabitants the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in eastern Tajikistan, have been the target of a relentless crackdown since violence sparked by government security forces broke out there in May. In November alone, at least 15 Pamiris were given long prison sentences, with five sentenced to life in prison. Two of the region's four registered lawyers are about to go on trial, behind closed doors, and they also face long prison sentences. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the topic are Suzanne Levi-Sanchez, author of the book Bridging State And Civil Society: Informal Organizations In Tajik/Afghan Badakhshan; and Bakhtiyor Safarov, founder of Central Asia Consulting in the United States, who is originally from Gorno-Badakhshan.
CrisisWatch: December Alerts and November Trends crisisgroup.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from crisisgroup.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Tajikistan hands down five life sentences amid Badakhshan clampdown timesca.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from timesca.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.