Energy and Economy 

Uzbekistan Blocks Cryptocurrency Exchanges 

On August 10, Uzbekistan’s National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP), which regulates cryptocurrency mining and markets in Uzbekistan, announced that the crypto exchanges were blocked because they were operating without the licenses they are legally required to obtain. This is seen as a part of Tashkent’s efforts to limit the alternative payment systems as much as possible.  

Sources: Eurasianet, NAPP 

Kazakhstan Adjusts Oil Production Plan for 2022, Says Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy 

During his visit to the Atyrau Region on August 11–12, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Bolat Akchulakov, revealed a planned cut oil production by two million tons. The Tengiz field repairs that lowered the amount of oil pumped via the Tengiz-Novorossiysk pipeline and the temporary Kashagan oil-field production halt caused by a gas release are responsible for the adjusted oil production numbers. 

Source: Astana Times 

Azerbaijan Completes Construction of New Highway to Replace Lachin Corridor 

Azerbaijan has finished construction of a new highway in the Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions. Armenia is also expected to launch a 10-kilometer portion of the highway within its territory by spring of 2023.  

Source: Caspian News 

Security and Politics 

U.S.-Sponsored Military Drills in Tajikistan Begin 

The Regional Cooperation 22 military maneuvers began in Tajikistan on August 10 and will conclude on August 20. These drills, sponsored by the United States Central Command, involve Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and the United States all taking part in a five-day exercise. Additionally, the United States and Tajikistan will conduct bilateral training exercises.  

Source: RFE/RL 

Fireworks Explosion at Yerevan Market Leaves Six Dead 

On August 14, an explosion at a fireworks warehouse took place at Surmalu market in Yerevan. The explosion left at least six people dead and 60 people injured. Rescue operations continued at the site on August 15, according to Gary Armaghanyan, an official with Armenia's Ministry of Emergency Situations, with 16 people still unaccounted for. 
Source: AP News, RFE/RL 

Central Asia’s Largest Mosque Opens in Kazakhstan 

Kazakhstan’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, made an appearance on August 12 at the unveiling of Central Asia’s largest mosque, located in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. The Nur-Sultan Mosque is one of the top 10- largest mosques in the world, with a capacity of 235,000 worshippers.  

Sources: RFE/RL 

Kazakhstan Approves Military Intelligence Protocol with Turkey 

On August 10, the Kazakhstani government approved a protocol on expanding the country’s military intelligence cooperation with Turkey. The protocol refers to military intelligence cooperation and exchanging information about international terrorism and organizations that pose a threat to both countries’ security.  

Source: Caspian News 

(Sources: AP News, Astana Times, Caspian News, Eurasianet, NAPP, RFE/RL, Tengri News)