{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Iran, Air Strikes and Central Asia\u2019s Strategic Dilemma","description":"This week, we examine a series of major developments across the region, from unusual trade figures linking Afghanistan and Central Asia, to the expansion of border fencing and fortifications between two Central Asian states. We also look at the arrest of one country\u2019s anti-corruption chief on corruption charges, the suspicious death in custody of a man accused of attempted assassination, and Kazakhstan\u2019s shifting position on peacekeeper commitments in the Middle East. The episode also explores Turkmenistan\u2019s growing role in assisting foreign evacuations out of Iran, before turning to the main story: the war in Iran and the implications it may have for Central Asia, alongside renewed fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan in some of the heaviest clashes seen since the US withdrawal. On the show this week: - Stephen M. Bland (The Times of Central Asia) Hosted by Bruce Pannier and Michael Hilliard Proudly brought to you by The Times of Central Asia and The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. For more info, please visit: -The Times of Central Asia (https:\/\/timesca.com\/) - The Oxus Society (https:\/\/oxussociety.org\/) Follow us on Twitter on - Spotlight on Central Asia (@SLonCentralAsia) - Bruce Pannier (@BrucePannier) - Michael Hilliard (@MikeHilliardAus) - The Times of Central Asia (@TheTimesoCA) - The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs (@OxusSociety)&amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"Spotlight on Central Asia","author_url":"https:\/\/oxussociety.org\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40357995\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/199372725"}