Central Asia
Tax Amnesty Proves Damp Squib
UK Gold Firm Runs into Trouble
Turkmen Teachers Sweep the Streets
The Soviet “subbotnik” and “voskresnik” – weekend days when people had to turn out for voluntary work – are alive and well in Turkmenistan. Nowadays, though, the practice has evolved into an absurd system where everyone seems to be doing someone else’s jo
Population Held Down by Total Surveillance
In Turkmenistan, anyone who uses the internet, travels abroad or does anything else that could be construed as suspicious is subject to surveillance by the ever-watchful National Security Ministry.
Classical Music Training Slashed
Although a decision to cut the number of musical schools and academies in Turkmenistan by more than half has been justified by talk of a funding shortfall, the move is being seen as part of an official policy of eradicating the Soviet past, in which young
Turkmenistan's Unloved Legal Profession
A recent survey showing that very few law students in Turkmenistan plan to work as lawyers has only underlined the difficult situation facing the profession.
Europeans to Buy Kazak Uranium
Tajik Election Campaign Falls Flat
Behind the scenes there is talk of plots to split the opposition and curb the media, but on the surface the campaign is muted.