Central Asia

Another Depressing Year for Central Asian Media

Familiar patterns of harassment and obstruction, with new focus on curtailing internet.

New Turkmen Parliament Gathers

Kyrgyzstan's Controversial Winter Sale

Opponents of privatisation say it’s a bad time to start selling off the family silver, while the government insists there will be no bargain-basement deals.

Russian Leader to Seek Uzbek Support

Kyrgyz Acquire New Language Skills

In recent years, people in Kyrgyzstan have become used to buying Chinese goods and eating dishes once regarded as outlandish. Now they are taking up the language as well.

Uzbeks Flock to Work in Kyrgyz South

Thousands of people from Uzbekistan earn their living over the border in Kyrgyzstan because life is so tough at home.

Empty Gas Canisters Turned to Better Use

In a sign of the deep energy crisis facing Kyrgyzstan, people in the southern Batken region have found a new use for gas cylinders they fear will never be filled again.

Unpaid Electricity Bills to Snowball

Latest Racist Murders Shock Tajikistan

The recent murder of Tajik migrant worker Salahuddin Azizov has highlighted concerns that the Russian authorities are not doing enough to combat racist attacks.

Central Asia: Nov-Dec '08

Reporting teams focus on migrant labour crisis affecting Central Asian region.