Central Asia

Personality Politics May Turn Off Kyrgyz Voters

Failure of parties to offer voters distinctive policies may result in a low turnout in the weekend parliamentary election.

Thumbs Down for Uzbek Bank Reform

The government wants everyone to open a bank account, but many people are too poor or too canny to trust an institution with their hard-earned cash.

Breaking Down the Uzbek-Tajik Border Divide

A shooting incident underlines how two neighbouring nations are divided by diplomatic animosity as well as fences.

China's Road Into Kyrgyzstan

New Rail Link to Open Central Asia to Iran

Transnational rail project connecting Iran with Turkmenistan and Kazakstan could have major strategic and trade implications for the region.

Child Miners at Risk in Kyrgyzstan

In the impoverished south, children as young as ten are digging coal in treacherous mineshafts.

Central Asian Gas Hike May Hit European Consumers

Russia will pass on sharp price rises in energy-rich Central Asian states to its European consumers.

Kazakstan Steers Clear of US-Russian Arms Race

Russian missile tests on Kazak soil leave analysts divided on whether the Central Asian state will get embroiled in the arms disputes of others.

China's Road Into Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz truck drivers and market traders who have benefited from trade routes to their eastern neighbour are less enthusiastic about the growing Chinese role in the local economy.

Critics Blast Plan to Restrict Rallies in Kyrgyz Capital

The mayor’s decision to ban public meetings outside three designated spots in Bishkek has been criticised as anti-democratic by rights activists and opposition parties.