Central Asia

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?

27 Jul 06

Narcotics for Sale at Drug Clinics

Doctors at some drug treatment clinics in Turkmenistan are selling illegal narcotics instead of treating their patients.

26 Jul 06

Historic Buildings Under Threat in Western City

Residents of the western port of Turkmenbashi have condemned plans to demolish a whole swathe of historic buildings as an attempt to erase the past from people’s collective memory.

25 Jul 06

Amu Darya Bridge Project Stalled

Construction of a major bridge in eastern Turkmenistan has ground to a halt because of a contractual dispute with the Ukrainian builders, centring on who should supply the cement for the bridge supports.