Central Asia

Kazak Public Resigned to Bribe Culture

Paying out money to officials has become the normal way of accessing free public services.

Turkmen to Host Islamic Bank Meeting

Energy Imperative May Alter Uzbeks' Regional Role

Kyrgyz Wary of Chinese Bearing Gifts

Beijing offers a sweetener to get its TV programmes shown in Kyrgyzstan, but some commentators fear cultural encroachment.

Kyrgyz Plan New Model Army

Plan for professional army jeopardised by funding and coordination issues, say analysts.

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.