Sophia N B-A

My latest Op-Ed where I share my observations from the road so far - going through my notebook and transferring my scribbles into a single piece. I hope this article can be a useful up to date account of the latest goings on in the region. thediplomat.com/2024/10/the-vi…

@HoboProletariat This looks great! Please can you DM me? I’m looking for some specific model trains? Thanks!

Uzbek Railways TEM2 shunter operating in Afghanistan. Modeled in HO scale at the Amherst Railroad Hobby show.

@andrew_grantham After some research I found this map of an Afghan engineer from 1935, and it looks like indeed there have actually been feasibility studies of this part! A sensation!!

د ټولګټو وزارت وایي، دا چې دغه وزارت د سالنګ لویې لارې د درېیو برخو رغولو پاتې چارې پیل کړې، له همدې امله یاده لار سر له نن څخه د باروړونکو موټرو پر مخ تړل کېږي. pajhwok.com/ps/2024/08/22/…

In my latest article I explain South Korea’s recent foray into Tajikistan’s railway sector and it’s wider infrastructure ambitions in Central Asia. thediplomat.com/2024/08/explai…

Uzbekistan's national railway UTY upgrading the Hairatan - Mazar-i Sharif line in Afghanistan. Photo from SogdianaTrans on Facebook.

A tranquil stop for the night at Roma’s Guesthouse in Kalai Khumb, Tajikistan.

Intense competition, epitomized by competing “corridors,” is emerging in Asia and beyond between the U.S., China, and Russia. buff.ly/3WzZDzC

As the #China led #BRI enters its second decade, the #US and #Russia have been pushing their own corridor projects. But what lies behind this “corridor” strategy? And why does it matter? In my latest article for the @Diplomat_APAC I hope to clarify this. thediplomat.com/2024/07/the-co…

How do you train for the physical exertion of an expedition? @s_burna shares her training schedule on the Oxus blog. oxusexpedition.com/blog/team-memb…

Concern has gripped policymakers in Uzbekistan and Mongolia over how to balance Russia, China, and the West amid rising tension over Ukraine and an unstable Afghanistan. buff.ly/3L5QXKS

Here is my latest article for the @Diplomat_APAC thediplomat.com/2024/07/why-th…

I am excited to share my latest interview with @lemondefr on the Trans-Afghan Railway project where I provide my analysis on how the situation is evolving on the ground. lemonde.fr/international/….

Here is my latest piece for the @Diplomat_APAC - Russia Expands Oil Trade South via Afghanistan, Seeking Warm Water Ports thediplomat.com/2024/05/russia…

My latest article - The outcome of UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s visit to Central Asia thediplomat.com/2024/05/uk-for…

Enjoy a decadent dessert and warming tea today for a delightful teatime respite. Instagram user chaeeeri's idyllic setting features a beautifully decorated strawberry shortcake, perfect for pairing with your favorite floral blend tea or herbal tisane.

Happy to share my latest piece in @Diplomat_APAC ! I explain what Lord Cameron’s visit to Central Asia and Mongolia means and what to expect! thediplomat.com/2024/04/uk-for…

Pleased to welcome Foreign Secretary for @FCDOGovUK @David_Cameron here in Uzbekistan. It's an historic visit happening for the first time in 27 years that shows the ever-growing level of 🇬🇧-🇺🇿 bilateral relationship.

China-Europe rail freight traffic through Russia saw a 44% increase in Q1 2024, totaling 90k TEU. Houthi threats made Russia's China-Europe rail link more appealing. kommersant.ru/doc/6622037

I am delighted to have been quoted in this article addressing the challenges and opportunities within the rail freight industry in Europe and Central Asia, especially in relation to navigating Russian sanctions and managing supply chain disruptions. trans.info/ua/zaliznychni…