Uzbekistan

Kyrgyz Law Targets Religious Minorities

Legislation will make life tougher for Christian and Muslim groups operating outside the mainstream.

Kazak Public Resigned to Bribe Culture

Paying out money to officials has become the normal way of accessing free public services.

Energy Imperative May Alter Uzbeks' Regional Role

Kyrgyz Wary of Chinese Bearing Gifts

Beijing offers a sweetener to get its TV programmes shown in Kyrgyzstan, but some commentators fear cultural encroachment.

Kyrgyz Plan New Model Army

Plan for professional army jeopardised by funding and coordination issues, say analysts.

EU Eases Uzbek Sanctions Despite Reporter's Jailing

European officials speak of progress three days after independent journalist gets ten-year jail term.

Central Asia: Sep ‘08

IWPR joins forces with other NGOs to raise concerns over media censorship in Uzbekistan – prompting a hostile response from the authorities.

Uzbeks Forced to Cut Cotton Exports

Tajikistan: Less Food on the Table

Farming sector now so unproductive that even Tajik specialities like fruit are being imported.

Uzbek Cotton Farmers Face Prosecution