· August, 2012

Stories about Kazakhstan from August, 2012

Russia's War Games Make Georgia Nervous

RuNet Echo  27 August 2012

This September, Russia is planning to hold 'Caucasus-2012' with forces from the breakaway Georgian provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. With 8,000 troops, as well as heavy machinery, artillery, navy, and air force, this will be Russia’s largest exercise this year. Is this too close for comfort for Georgians?

Kazakhstan: The Beauty of Altai Mountains

  26 August 2012

A group of Kazakhstani photographers have recently toured the mountainous region of Altai in in the country's east, known for its picturesque alpine scenery. Photos made during the trip can be accessed on YVision blog: here, here, and here.

Kazakhstan: Trial of Opposition Leaders Draws Pussy Riot Comparisons

  22 August 2012

“A Pussy Riot of our own” is how Kazakhstani netizens are referring to the judicial drama involving three opposition leaders accused of active participation in the Zhanaozen oil-strike that turned violent in December 2011. The trials of Vladimir Kozlov, Aizhanat Aminov and Serik Sapargaly started on August 16, and are expected to end within the next two weeks. Kazakh netizens do not believe that the three defendants will get a fair trial.

Central Asia's Mixed Success at London Olympics

  14 August 2012

The 2012 Summer Olympics offered mixed successes for Central Asian states. While the Games proved nothing short of triumph for team Kazakhstan, the success of athletes from Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan was more moderate. And for Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, the Olympics were largely a disappointment.

Kazakhstan: Olympic Veterans and New Champions

  12 August 2012

Team Kazakhstan's 13 medals, including seven golds, taken at the London Olympics were nothing short of triumph. Vox Populi posts [ru] photos of Kazakhstani athletes who triumphed in London and adds [ru] images of the country's celebrated Olympic champions from decades past.

Kazakhstan: ‘Imported’ Olympic Champions Cause Controversy

  9 August 2012

Two of the six gold medals bagged by Kazakhstan at the London Olympics were claimed by Chinese-born female weightlifters. The success of the "imported" athletes has caused a lot of controversy, with Chinese officials accusing Kazakhstan of misinforming the public about the athletes' country of origin.

Kazakhstan: Images from “Post-Apocalyptic” Village

  1 August 2012

Despite Kazakhstan's oil-fueled economic growth, some parts of the country are doing a lot worse than others. Blogger Iskander Salikhojaev has recently traveled to Akchatau, a small poverty-stricken village in central Kazakhstan where some 1,000 people live without jobs, drinking water, and hope. Vox Populi posts [ru] photos from the blogger's trip....

Chinese-born Weightlifters Win Gold for Kazakhstan

  1 August 2012

Two female weightlifters have won gold medals for Kazakhstan at the London Olympics. On Registan.net, Matthew Kupfer writes that the two athletes “are actually from China and … this isn't a big secret in Kazakhstan.” The blogger adds: “But it doesn't change what they have accomplished. [The athletes] were not champions in...