Central Asia

Kyrgyz Voters Seek to Oust Ex-President's Son

Aidar Akaev’s constituents want to sack him as their member of parliament since he has not been in the country for the last year.

10 Apr 06

Karakalpak Traders Flourish

A remote region on the border between Karakalpakstan and Turkmenistan has become a stop on the flourishing – if unofficial – trading route between China and the Gulf states. The situation could change as the Uzbek and Turkmen authorities are taking steps

10 Apr 06

Ingush Refugees Protest Resettlement

A Russian plan to create a new settlement for Ingush displaced in a conflict with North Ossetia is dismissed as a broken promise.

7 Apr 06

Kazakstan and Uzbekistan Make Up

Central Asia’s two major states are being nicer to one another these days – but their motives for making friends are very different.

6 Apr 06

Death Row Protest in Kyrgyzstan

Convicts ask for review of cases as they await final decision on death penalty ban.

5 Apr 06

Tense Stand-off Ends Peacefully in Kyrgyz Capital

President Bakiev steps in after protesters occupy central square to demand prime minister’s resignation.

5 Apr 06

Grace and Favour in Tajikistan

Police and other officials at the heart of the system get hefty pay rises, which critics say are a ploy to keep them on board for a crucial election later this year.

1 Apr 06

Tajik Ministry Makes Bid for Telecoms Control

Plans to centralise mobile communications worry private phone operators.

28 Mar 06

Tajikistan: Keeping Up With the Neighbours

Tajiks ignore concerns expressed by government and Islamic figures and spend every penny they earn or borrow on lavish weddings and funerals.

27 Mar 06

Turkmen Identity on the Wane in Iran

The younger generation of ethnic Turkmen is increasingly adopting Iranian ways, even discarding their own language in favour of Persian.