Central Asia

Villagers Farm Perilously Close to Uranium Dump

Reporter Kamari Ahrorzoza has been visiting Gazion, a village in northern Tajikistan, where residents live and work in close proximity to an old uranium mine.

Tajik Officials Forced to Answer Criticism

New rules requiring Tajik officials to be more responsive have largely been welcomed, although some of them may continue reacting badly to constructive criticism.

Central Asia: Jan '09

New project aims to improve ties between journalists and rights activists across the region.

Kyrgyzstan: Talk of US Base Closure Fizzles Out

Moscow may be unhappy with the American military presence but does not seem to have pressured Bishkek to end it.

Farmers Accuse Government of Reneging on Guaranteed Purchase Pledge

Farmers in Kyrgyzstan say the authorities have failed to honour a promise to buy up all their grain at a prearranged price.

Kyrgyz Regions Soldier on Without Power

People in outlying areas come up with ingenious if dangerous solutions to energy shortages.

Uzbek Authorities Take First Step to Help Migrants

Over-Reliance on Foreign Goods Proves Weakness

The falling value of the Tajik currency, the somoni, has been accompanied by rising prices.

Tajikistan Struggles With Rising Drug Use

The Tajik government is pursuing a programme to deter young people from using drugs, but the number of addicts is rising.

Uzbeks Fail to Win Over Foreign Investors