Central Asia

Musical Thought-Crime in Uzbekistan

Not content with arresting its critics, the government is cracking down on those who listen to dissident views – even when these are set to music.

30 May 06

Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Raid Stokes Fears

Concerns about Islamic insurgency revived after a group steals Kalashnikovs and takes on Kyrgyz security forces, but some say the raiders were common criminals.

26 May 06

Just Another Pipe Dream?

Talk of the Trans-Afghan Pipeline raises the prospect of big returns for investors and the Kabul government. But security remains the key unanswered question.

18 May 06

Petrol Smuggling Rife on Turkmen-Uzbek Border

People living on either side of the Turkmen-Uzbek border are reaping the benefits as increasing amounts of petrol are shifted illegally from Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan. The volume has increased threefold in the last two years.

16 May 06

In "Turkmen Street"

Turn a corner in Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar, and you might imagine you are suddenly somewhere in Central Asia. This small part of the sprawling covered market is known as “Turkmen Street”. Here you will hear the Turkmen language spoken as often as Tur

16 May 06
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