Galim Faskhutdinov

Rising instability in northern Afghanistan prompts security rethink.
Low-skilled workers from Central Asia are often the first to be laid off.
Restricted opportunities to campaign at local as well as national level.
Émigré opposition group unable to persuade people to take to the streets.
Conciliatory gestures unlikely to lead to swift improvement in relations.
Effects of border confrontation still reverberating in now troubled relationship between neighbouring states.
Lost paperwork an obstacle to those seeking asylum or permanent residence.
Opposition bloc settles for leading civil society figure rather than politician.
Fears that government wants to limit young people’s contact with ideas from abroad.