Central Asia
Afghan Refugees Abandoned
Several thousand Afghan refugees have been marooned on the Tajik border for nearly a year
Islamic Rebels Threaten New Mountain Offensive
Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan are preparing to repel an expected offensive by Islamic insurgents
Uzbekistan In Denial Over Poverty
The Tashkent authorities appear to be refusing to acknowledge the true scale of Uzbek poverty
Uzbekistan Rapped for Illegal Arrests
Bishkek is accusing Tashkent law enforcement agents of the illegal detention of its citizens
Kyrgyz Poverty Protests
Bishkek attempts to stifle protests over plunging living standards
Cotton Picking Blues
The Tashkent authorities would prefer that children forsake the classroom for the cotton fields
Kyrgyzstan Falls Between Stools
A lack of direction in Kyrgyz foreign policy leaves the country bereft of allies
Caspian Talks Breakdown Bodes Ill
An attempt by Caspian Sea states to divide up its riches appears only to have deepened the quarrel over the issue.
Russian Extremists Prey on Central Asians
Alleged racism in the Russian police force leaves Central Asian and Caucasian immigrants vulnerable to a rising tide of skinhead violence.