Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan: Pressed into Service

Recruiters will take anyone, no matter how unfit, to fill the ranks of an army whose main job is to provide a free labour force.

Andijan Refugees Sent Back to Uzbekistan

The Kyrgyz government stands accused of trading refugee rights for a better political relationship with Tashkent.

Abdul Rashid Dostum: Veteran General Lacks Broad Support

The controversial commander Abdul Rashid Dostum has little chance of winning votes outside his own constituency.

Kazakstan Courts Ashgabat

Turkmenistan: Testing Time for Teachers

Niazov puts new squeeze on education spending by making it harder for teachers to get pay increases.

Gas Pipeline Plan Promises Independence from Moscow

Tajikistan: Militant Threat Questioned

Government warns of extremist plots but doubts remain about the danger posed by Islamic groups.

Kyrgyzstan: Fury Over Imam Death

South seethes with anger after popular religious leader gunned down by security services.

Turkmen Civil Society Under Threat

NGOs and other public groups harassed and denied permission to register.

Turkmen Students Flee Abroad

Endless propaganda and bribes to pass exams are just two of the disincentives to going to university in Turkmenistan.