Central Asia

Bride Theft Custom Fuels Divorce Rate

Eight out of ten divorces in Kyrgyzstan involve brides who were “stolen” by their husbands, women’s rights groups say.

Common Energy Plan for Central Asia Still Far Off

Uzbek Government Acts to Avert Unrest

Tribe Seeks Recognition in Census

As a nationwide census gets under way in Kyrgyzstan, one group in the south of the country is seeking to register as a hitherto unrecognised nation.

Uzbek Media More Open, But Limits Remain

Health Services Inadequate in Tajik South

Residents of Qurghonteppa in southern Tajikistan say they get poor service from doctors in the state healthcare system, who will not see them unless they pay for treatment that is supposed to be free.

Farmers Reluctant to Grow Cotton

As farmers in the northern region of Soghd get ready for the planting season, many are unhappy at the prospect of growing cotton when they do not earn enough from it to repay their debts.

Uzbek, Turkmen Officials off to SCO Conference

Central Asia: Feb '09

IWPR debate on closure of US base reflected conflicting views on implications for the country.

New Kyrgyz Law Curbs Babymilk Adverts

A law came into force this month restricting powdered milk adverts, in order to encourage breastfeeding in Kyrgyzstan.