Islam has assumed a decisive role in Central Asia since the collapse of the Soviet system. However, according to Galym Zhussipbek, the religious comeback has produced adverse effects, particularly the rise of religious radicalism. Source: http://www.rethinkinstitute.org

RT @AstanaTeam: Kazakh, Italian Cycling Federations agree to develop domestic racing #UCI http://t.co/mAX5Kusu1a http://t.co/tepE9g1kb9 Source: astanaproteam.kz

US makes visa procedures for Kazakhstanis easier as part of the two countries’ strategic partnership. Source: en.tengrinews.kz

The five Central Asian states have been rattled by Russian aggression in Ukraine. But while China is muscling in on this resource-rich region, Moscow, the former colonial power, is still an attractive ally. Source: http://www.thenational.ae

Against a background of economic and geopolitical storms, the decision to hold the election a year ahead of time raises the question whether Kazakhstan’s prized stability is in question. Source: http://www.diplomaticourier.com

Kazakhstan’s Central Elections Commission says incumbent President Nursultan Nazarbaev and two other others have been officially registered as candidates for the April 26 presidential election. Source: http://www.rferl.org

U.S. investors looking to make a bet on companies in Kazakhstan or Qatar are getting help from an exchange-traded funds industry that is increasingly adding single-country ETFs to their offerings Source: business.financialpost.com

British export credit agency UK Export Finance (UKEF) has made available close to $2 billion to the government of Kazakhstan to fund the import of a wide range of British-made goods. Source: http://www.txfnews.com

Scientists are baffled by a mysterious illness that has sent hundreds of people into days-long slumbers Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk

At least three Kazakh citizens and a prominent Kazakh-born opera singer are among the 150 people killed in the crash of a German passenger jet in the French Alps. Source: http://www.rferl.org