Central Asia

Kyrgyz Opposition Rally Looms

Failure of government and opposition to hold crisis talks may lead to civil unrest.

Civilian Auxiliaries to Back Police

Kazakstan Heads for Single-Party Rule

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.

Calls for More Checks on Foreign Employers