Central Asia

HIV Shadow Lengthens Over South Kyrgyzstan

Once largely confined to drug addicts and sex workers, HIV is now spreading across the community at large.

US Leans on Caspian Pipeline Partners

Baby Trade Worries Tajikistan

Poverty rather than greed drives women on low-incomes to sell newborn babies.

Investing in Turkmenistan Not for the Faint-Hearted

As well as inviting investors to come in, the government will have to offer them a level playing-field before the money starts piling in.

Uzbeks Loosen Banking Restrictions

Liberalising the rules for bank accounts may not be enough to restore savers’ confidence in the financial system.

Fears of GM Crop Invasion in Kyrgyzstan

Unregulated imports of genetically modified seeds and foods raise concerns about public health and biodiversity.

Kazak Hospitals Suffer Winter Drugs Shortage

Government legislation leads to January gap in pharmaceuticals supply.

Kyrgyz Teachers Win Court Case on Unpaid Wages

Schoolteachers are refusing to accept a government offer of bonds to settle unpaid bonuses.

Uzbek Amnesty Designed to Please West

While rights groups welcome the amnesty offered to several activists, they do not believe it marks a real change in policy.

Halting Progress on Turkmen Reforms

In a series of wide-ranging interviews, IWPR has learned that people remain sceptical about their new president’s real intentions, although they are grateful pensions are being paid and schooling improved.