Central Asia

Uzbek Authorities Block Imports

Media Freedom or Creeping Control?

As Tajikistan marked its national press day on March 11, journalists were divided on how much real freedom the media enjoy.

NGOs Push for Election Monitoring Rights

A group of Tajik NGOs has asked the country’s parliament to change the law to allow independent monitoring of elections by local organisations.

Price Rises Hit Turkmen Postal Service

Many can no longer afford to send mail due to rising costs following currency change.

Kyrgyzstan: Alarm at Tribal Claim to Separate Status

Acceding to one group’s demands for formal recognition as separate ethnicity could open Pandora’s box, analysts warn.

Uzbek and Turkmen Unite on Energy, Water

Economic Downturn Hits Migrant Workers' Families

Although many Kyrgyz labour migrants are hanging on in hope of better times in Russia, their families back home are finding that the money they send home is drying up.

Female Taxi Drivers Still a Rarity

Women drivers are fairly uncommon in Kyrgyzstan, but Olga has made it her profession, driving a taxi in Bishkek.

Job Market Tough for Visually Impaired

Going to job interviews can mean a depressing series of knock-backs for applicants with visual impairments.

Kyrgyz Journalists in Shock at Attack on Colleague

Media-watchers fear brutal assault was deliberate attempt to curb free speech.