IWPR Central Asia
Institute for War & Peace Reporting
Stories by the Author
Opposition Fears Kyrgyz Rubber Stamp Parliament
While the government claims the ruling party’s domination of parliament will make the legislative process more effective, opposition leaders fear the institution’s independence has been fatally undermined.
16 Jan 08
Sound of Uzbek Fills Void in Kyrgyz South
The amount of Uzbek heard on TV in the south is worrying the guardians of Kyrgyzstan’s national language.
14 Jan 08
Tajiks Pin Hopes on Tourism Boom
The country offers staggering scenery but tourism is unlikely to take off until infrastructure is developed and visa regulations are relaxed.
14 Jan 08
Kazakstan: Restrictive Web Law in the Pipeline
Proposed new legislation looks designed to prevent anti-government material appearing on the web, but analysts warn that it is almost impossible to control the internet.
14 Jan 08
Kyrgyzstan Unveils Food Security Plan
Government’s plan to build up food reserves may prevent a repeat of last year’s price hikes, but sceptics say the country needs to grow more grain.
14 Jan 08
Tajikistan Vows to Revive Ailing Cotton Industry
While the government says new system of bank credits will revive the industry, many farmers fear they will just be left deeper in debt.
14 Jan 08
Turkmen Economy Needs Real, Not Superficial Reform
Promises to rescue the economy from stagnation sound good on paper but have achieved little in practice.
14 Jan 08
Uzbek Leader's Re-Election Dismissed as Charade
While the regime claims Islam Karimov was endorsed by a thumping 88 per cent of voters, critics suspect the alternative candidates did far better than the official figures show.
4 Jan 08
Central Asia: Nov ‘07
In-depth report on political developments in Turkmenistan wins plaudits from Turkmen inside and outside the country.
2 Jan 08
Karimov's Rivals Unite to Praise Him
Few surprises can be expected in an election where the candidates all agree the incumbent is the country’s best option.
29 Dec 07
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