Central Asia & Caucasus Data

Political movements do not become dangerous when they speak the language of faith; they become dangerous when they claim a monopoly over virtue. This observation, adapted from British philosopher Isaiah Berlin, has rarely been more relevant than in today’s Bangladesh. Following the 2024 collapse of the authoritarian regime of Sheikh Hasina, the nation stands at The post Jamaat-e-Islami sets theocratic trap for Bangladesh democracy appeared first on Asia Times.

Last weekend, China’s Ministry of National Defense announced that the country’s two most senior generals – Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli – would be removed from office and placed under investigation for serious disciplinary violations. Zhang had been the People’s Liberation Army’s most senior general since October 2022. He was the highest ranking military member The post Reading the tea leaves on Xi’s latest military purge appeared first on Asia Times.

The illicit on-chain money laundering ecosystem has grown dramatically in recent years, increasing from US$10 billion in 2020 to over $82 billion in 2025. [1] This substantial topline growth reflects the growing accessibility and liquidity of cryptocurrencies, as well as a fundamental shift in how this laundering activity occurs and by whom. As shown in the chart The post Chinese-language crime networks now drive 20% of crypto laundering appeared first on Asia Times.

TOKYO — As if US Treasury Security Scott Bessent didn’t have enough stuff with which to deal, gold is literally exploding higher on his watch. In any discussion of the global “debasement trade” gaining momentum in real time, the dollar is written between the lines in bold font. Gold is now at $5,200 for the The post Debased dollar and soaring gold hand China a rare opening appeared first on Asia Times.