Central Asia

Freedom Needed for Turkmen Arts to Flourish

Turkmen, Uzbeks to Attend Regional Economic Meeting

Neighbours Invited to Observe Turkmen Polls

Turkmen to Sign New Gas Deal with Iran

EU Eases Uzbek Sanctions Despite Reporter's Jailing

European officials speak of progress three days after independent journalist gets ten-year jail term.

Central Asia: Sep ‘08

IWPR joins forces with other NGOs to raise concerns over media censorship in Uzbekistan – prompting a hostile response from the authorities.

Kyrgyz Political Elite Hit by Infighting

Beneath surface of a simple personnel switch there is layer upon layer of political and regional rivalries.

Uzbeks Forced to Cut Cotton Exports

Afghanistan: Sep ‘08

Kabul government clamps down on trading centre after IWPR report revealed arms-for-drugs transactions.

Tajikistan: Less Food on the Table

Farming sector now so unproductive that even Tajik specialities like fruit are being imported.