Central Asia

Arguments Over Nationhood in Kazakstan

Compromise sought between American-style melting pot and monoethnic Kazak state. By Daulet Kanagatuly in Almaty

Managing Political Consensus in Kyrgyzstan

New popular assembly seen as way of strengthening centralised control, not devolving decision-making.

Tashkent Acts to Cut Cross-Border Trade

Closing border checkpoint to cars reflects state’s hostility to small-time importers.

Uzbek Oligarchs Under Pressure

Uzbek Journalists Get Rare Chance to Meet Foreign Analyst

Dam Dispute Heats Up Between Uzbeks, Tajiks

Concern Over Quality of Private Universities

Some students and educators from public sector worried about standards in new institutions.

Uzbekistan's Silent Election Campaign

Tajik Opposition Says Poll Rigged

As expected, the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan won a clear majority in the February 28 parliamentary election, but its opponents are convinced the count was rigged.

Are Tajik Courts Ready for New Powers?

Khalil Qayumzoda reports on the implications of a change in the law that will reduce the powers of prosecutors.