Tajik Government Pledges to End Maternity Clinic Crisis
The health ministry has promised radical reforms to birthing hospitals, where bribes and poor service are the rule.
25 Dec 07
Turkmenistan
Uzbeks Invite Friendly Monitors to Bless Polls
While the OSCE cites grave democratic shortcomings, there will be no shortage of praise from the election observers sent by former Soviet states.
24 Dec 07
Uzbekistan: The Iron Leader
With Islam Karimov determined to keep his country “stable at any price”, reform and democracy look as far away as ever.
21 Dec 07
Karimov's Walkover Fails to Set Media on Fire
As everyone knows who is going to win the Uzbek presidential ballot, it is not surprising that media campaigning has lacked drama and urgency.
21 Dec 07
Campaigners Urge Fresh Start in Tajik War on Drugs
As Tajikistan faces rising numbers of addicts and a related increase in HIV infection, experts say the authorities need to stop persecuting addicts and start offering substitute therapies instead.
19 Dec 07
Central Asia: Nov ‘07
Series of round tables across the region contribute to better understanding between journalists and officials.
19 Dec 07
Karimov Tightens His Grip in Uzbek Election Run-Up
The hard-line president is taking no chances as he prepares to secure another mandate.
19 Dec 07
Kyrgyz Pilgrims Say Haj Travel Still Badly Run
Some of those going on the Haj to Mecca complain that farming out travel arrangements to commercial firms has led to high prices and poor service.
18 Dec 07
Unclear Kyrgyz-Kazak Border Makes Life Tough for Villagers
Border difficulties affecting Kyrgyz villagers blamed on overzealous frontier guards and on Kyrgyzstan’s failure to ratify a demarcation agreement.
17 Dec 07
Turkmen Leader Wipes “Ugly” TV Dishes From Skyline
Officially, satellite dishes have to go because they are an eyesore, but the real aim may be to cut off people from information from outside.
14 Dec 07
Support local journalists