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Kazakstan: After Harlem Shake Crackdown, a Change of Heart

Decision to reinstate students expelled for posting dance video suggests a new willingness to listen.

Colombia: Making Peace In the Midst of Violence

Rebels and government seem committed to talks, yet neither will call a truce to ease transition to peace.

Kazak Media Freedom in Reverse Gear

Continuing persecution backed by raft of retrograde laws.

Turkmen Media Law Work of Fiction

One of the world’s most repressive states promises all sorts of freedom.

Breakthrough for Outsider Party in Kyrgyzstan

System may be changing, slowly, so that policies become more important than politicians.

Kazakstan: Janaozen One Year On

Authorities repressive and responsive by turn, but the old social contract has been torn up.

Colombia: Mending the Fabric of Society

Reconciliation, remembrance and the admission of crimes are all essential to making peace work, even if a settlement is reached.

Wrong Time for EU to Go Soft on Turkmenistan

Kyrgyz Nationalist Leader Routed

Once-powerful politician miscalculates by attempting to take over parliament.

Is Colombia Ready for Peace?

Agreement to hold talks is important, but fighting continues and there is massive distrust between government and rebel guerrillas.