Central Asia

Taming Tajikistan's Eastern Valleys

After local power-broker dies in firefight, experts say key is to ensure that counter-insurgency drive does not cause further upset.

Turkmen Golden Lake May Prove Green Disaster

Desert reservoir will soak up water and money faster than any improvements it may bring, say Turkmen and Uzbek environmentalists.

Central Asia: July ‘09

New web pages for EC human rights project and Kyrgyz presidential election.

Tajikistan: No Jobs for Returning Migrants

Many plan to go back to Russia despite declining job prospects there.

Tashkent Tries to Curb Farm Exports

Uzbek Businesses Tire of “Voluntary Contributions”

Chasing Phantoms in the Tajik Mountains

Analysts consider chances of revival of Islamic insurgency as authorities reject claims that guerrilla bands are roaming the hills.

The Village of Widows

Women in Herat cope alone after losing husbands to drug trafficking.

President to Benefit From Kyrgyz Summer Polls

Opposition says election timing geared towards low turnout, making ballot-rigging easier.

Kyrgyz Cops Out in Force for Election

Authorities accused of using police to pressure opposition campaigners.