Central Asia

Clampdown on Opposition Party Could Win it Popularity

Authorities Muzzle Opposition Papers

Schools Ban Both Hijab and Miniskirts

Kazak Authorities Reluctant to Allow Public Protests

Concerns that rights to free assembly are under threat as Almaty protesters are told they can gather, but only if they do so well away from the city centre.

Government Heavy-Handedness Could Backfire

Training for Tajik Businessmen

No Give and Take in Kyrgyz Stand-off

The president offers his opponents more and more concessions, but all they want is his resignation.

Tajik Mosque Clampdown Could Backfire

The authorities in the capital are trying to stop the preaching of radical Islam, but intrusive action against mosques may anger a wider constituency of Muslims.

Opposition Nominates Another Presidential Candidate

New Housing Policy Still Vulnerable to Abuse