Central Asia

Controversy Over Kyrgyz Protest Sentences

Sentences of up to 20 years seen as warning to other protesters, rather than justice.

Land Audit Planned for Desert State

Fears of Mass Return of Migrant Workers

The global economic crisis is beginning to result in job cuts in Russia and other countries where hundreds of thousands of Tajiks have found work, leading to fears they will return home en masse.

Make Your Own Power Station

While the focus in Kyrgyzstan is often on ambitious hydroelectric projects like the Kambarata dam, water-powered turbines of more modest proportions are quietly whirring away in the background.

Kyrgyz Builders Fear Compatriots' Return

As it becomes clear that Russia will no longer host as many migrant workers as before because of the economic downturn, reporter Almaz Turdubaev investigated how this would impact the job market inside Kyrgyzstan.

Turkmen Election Reveals Depressingly Familiar Abuses

Journalism Still a Dangerous Profession in Uzbekistan

Kazak Faith Groups Face Curbs

New law falls below standards of a country that will soon chair the OSCE, rights groups say.

Global Crisis Feeds Uncertainty on Turkmen Gas Price

Death of Kyrgyz Sugar Industry Leaves Bitter Taste

Instead of exporting sugar, Kyrgyzstan now imports it while disillusioned beet farmers switch to other crops.