Central Asia

Hard Times Ahead for Kazakstan Civil Society

Despite progress on talks to amend upcoming NGO bill, other legislation imposes worrying restrictions.

Tajik Authorities Seize Academic, Call Research "Spying"

Alexander Sodiqov held incommunicado while conducting field research.

Kyrgyz Child Workers Harassed, Not Helped by Police

Police officers accused of exploiting underage labour ban to extract bribes.

Tajik, Afghan Officials Play Down Border Security Fears

Concerns that militant and drug-trafficking threats might rise after NATO-led forces leave Afghanistan.

Central Asian Migrants in Russia Find Religion

For most, Islam is a uniting force in an alien society, though some experts warn of Islamic radicalisation risk.

Uzbek-Language Education Declines in Tajikistan

Tajikistan Reforms Pre-School Learning

Armenia Faces Delay to Joining Moscow-Led Union

Experts say that concerns about Nagorny Karabakh are hampering progress towards accession.

Kyrgyzstan Gets Soft Terms for Customs Union Entry

Russian support for an assistance package clinches a deal that both governments see as benefiting them.

Economic Union Challenges Kazak Foreign Policy

Now it's committed to Moscow's regional project, Kazakstan may find it hard to maintain other relationships.