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
Central Asia
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.
27 Mar 06
Kyrgyzstan Recalls the Day Justice Triumphed
Whether you view March 24 as a positive turning point or a national tragedy very much depends which side of the protest lines you were on at the time.
23 Mar 06
Tajikistan's Only Synagogue Awaits End
Small Jewish community believe destruction of their place of worship leaves them facing a bleak future.
21 Mar 06
Central Asian NGOs Under Fire
Officials in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan call for curbs on “politicised” non-government groups.
20 Mar 06
Toxic Spill Dispute Revived in Kyrgyzstan
Following the removal of a government that environmentalists accuse of covering up a major cyanide spill, there are renewed efforts to secure compensation.
17 Mar 06
Tajik Islamists Hesitate Over Political Direction
Opinions within the leadership of Central Asia’s only parliamentary Muslim party appear divided on how to contest this year’s presidential election.
11 Mar 06
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