Central Asia

Uzbekistan: Internet Under Surveillance

Surfers are limited to a handful of government-approved sites in a country that has been dubbed an internet black hole.

18 Aug 06

Turkmen Civil Society Under Threat

NGOs and other public groups harassed and denied permission to register.

16 Aug 06

Kyrgyzstan: People's Assembly Disappoints

Dissenting voices stifled at meeting of Kyrgyz minority groups.

12 Aug 06

Tajik Opposition Floundering

With the Socialists still bitterly divided and other parties marginalised, observers say political rivals to President Imomali Rahmonov are few and far between.

9 Aug 06

Kyrgyz Religious Education Plan Sparks Controversy

If the education ministry gets its way, classrooms will soon ring to the sound of religious teaching.

5 Aug 06

Kyrgyzstan: Rising Lake Threatens Shoreline

Beaches and basements are disappearing under water as Kyrgyzstan’s huge lake Issykkul rises inexorably.

4 Aug 06

Uzbek Children Miss Out on Kindergarten

Unemployment and poverty means a pre-school education is beyond the means of many families.

31 Jul 06

Turkmen Students Flee Abroad

Endless propaganda and bribes to pass exams are just two of the disincentives to going to university in Turkmenistan.

29 Jul 06

Afghan Turkmen Claim They're Being Written Off

Change to identification papers and the electoral roll gives the ethnic Turkmen community less of a say than ever.

27 Jul 06

Chechnya: Moscow Peace Bid Tests Rebel Resolve

Will Chechen militants take up the offer of an amnesty now that their most high-profile leader is dead?