Central Asia
Tajik Muslims Told to Change Names, Ways
Government wants to ban baby names that are "too Arabic". In a Muslim country, that won't be easy.
Rebuilding Kyrgyzstan's Southern Capital
Economic development in Osh seen as way of preventing future conflicts.
"More Should Have Been Done" After 2010 Violence – Kyrgyzstan Rights Activist
June 2010 bloodletting remains difficult subject.
Kyrgyzstan Remembers 2010 Ethnic Clashes
Government believes it has done enough to prevent further trouble.
Islam vs. Secularism in Kyrgyzstan
As the public and politicians declare stronger Muslim identity, the challenge is to prevent extremist views from undermining the state.
Fatal Shooting on Kyrgyz-Uzbek Border
Firearms often used to stop civilians trying to evade customs controls.
Tajikistan's Migrant "Widows"
Once a husband decides to make his temporary stay abroad more permanent, there is little that wives can do to secure maintenance.
Human Trafficking in Kyrgyzstan
Prostitution abroad and "labour enslavement" at home are the commonest forms.
Kyrgyzstan Trims Pension Spending
Fewer people are paying in so the pension age is going up.