Central Asia

Turkmen Police Held for Drug Trafficking

Tajik-Uzbek Relations Back on Track?

Dispute over blocked trains appears to be easing, but Tajik economy still suffering.

Electronic Payments Encourage Uzbek Black Market

Uzbeks Tight-Lipped on Kyrgyz Border Closure

Tashkent may try to extract concessions from Kyrgyzstan before allowing trade to resume.

Kyrgyzstan Isolated by Nervous Neighbours

Uzbeks and Kazaks keep doors closed and watch for signs of stability in Kyrgyzstan.

New Kyrgyz Leaders Face Down Challenge

Government put to the test as opponents storm governors’ offices across south.

Poor Tajik Living Standards Increase TB Threat

The World Health Organisation says tuberculosis continues to pose a major health threat in Tajikistan.

Tajiks Quietly Flout Frugality Law

Three years ago this month, Tajikistan’s government issued rules restricting lavish spending on weddings and other ceremonies.

Mixed Success for Tajik Gypsy School

Tajikistan’s only school for the gypsy community is struggling against the odds to offer a better future to children from the minority.

Uzbeks Back As US Allies of Convenience

Memories of Andijan fade as Americans re-engage with Uzbekistan to secure Afghan supply route.