Central Asia

Kyrgyz-Tajik Spat Highlights Border Issues

Lack of clarity about land and water rights in undemarcated border areas creates running tensions.

Kyrgyz Rights 'Worse' Than Akaev Era

Erosion of civil liberties makes it hard to hold public protests and risky to criticise the authorities, say rights groups.

Central Asia: Oct ‘08

Radio output adds new dimension to Central Asian reporting.

Turkmen Authorities Plan Prison Amnesty

Kyrgyzstan: Rebels Without Common Cause

Part of the opposition is forging a new alliance, but prospects for a broader anti-government coalition remain slim.

Central Asia: Oct ‘08

IWPR’s reporting said to set an example for how sensitive topics like religion should be covered.

Uzbek Gas Users Could Lose Out From Rising Exports

Headscarf Ban Remains Live Issue in Central Asia

Linking hijab controversy to fears of Islamic extremism may be counter-productive.

Film Festival Signals Revived US-Uzbek Ties

Tajik Media Activists Press for Libel Law Change

First attempt to have libel provisions seen as curb on free speech struck out of the criminal code.