Central Asia
Central Asia: Mar '09, part 2
In a country where tribal allegiance still matters, reporting one group’s demand to be upgraded to nation status requires sensitivity and scrupulous balance.
Central Asia: Mar '09
Turkmen readers hear about legal improvements from IWPR before their own government tells them.
Thieves Wield Powers of Darkness
As if protracted winter power cuts were not enough, Kyrgyzstan’s benighted national grid is suffering from the depradations of thieves.
License to Preach in North Kyrgyzstan
Police in the northern province of Issykkul say they are finding it harder and harder to tell the difference between Islamic extremists and individuals engaged in acceptable religious proselytising.
Rural Kyrgyz Return to Folk Healers
Traditional healers are still popular in the more remote parts of Kyrgyzstan, despite warnings from the medical profession that their folk remedies do not work.
Experts Prescribe Strict Diet for Tajik Economy
Economists say Tajikistan should focus more on building up manufacturing and rely less on exporting raw commodities.