In this issue:

 Central Asia

Kazakhstan: Astana Follows Thorny Path toward National Unity BY JOANNA LILLIS

The Kyrgyz Republic’s new leadership has a unique chance to alter the Central Asian nation’s development course - creating an environment where democratic and economic reforms can take root. The Tulip Revolution of 2005 failed to fulfill its democratization potential. The US government must do all it can to help Kyrgyzstan to seize on this second opportunity. In doing so, the United States can demonstrate its longstanding commitment to Central Asia’s stability, and show, more broadly to the world, that the security-democratization debate is not a zero-sum game.

 Caspian Basin

Azerbaijan: Baku Backs Away from "Anti-American" Public Stance BY SHAHIN ABBASOV

 Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan: Informal Hijab Ban Stirring Controversy BY HAMID TURSUNOV

 Caucasus

Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia Using Faith to Find Karabakh Peace BY MINA MIRADOVA

 Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan: US Embassy Personnel in Bishkek Are on Hot Seat BY DEIRDRE TYNAN

 Caucasus

Georgia: Tbilisi Busts Enriched Uranium Smugglers BY MOLLY CORSO

 Central Asia

Kazakhstan: Activists Hijack Showcase Media Forum, Complain About Free Speech Restrictions BY JOANNA LILLIS

 Caucasus

Armenia: President Sargsyan Blamed for Obama Avoiding the G-Word - A EURASIANET PHOTO STORY BY MARIANNA GRIGORYAN AND ANAHIT HAYRAPETYAN

For further information: Eurasianet