Central Asia

Turkmenistan: Blow for Russian-Speakers

Decision to close schools is a major setback for non-ethnic Turkmens.

21 Feb 05

State television threatens to sue Radio Liberty, claiming it libelled one of its journalists.

21 Feb 05

Computerised voting will make Kazak elections slicker – but will it make them any fairer?

21 Feb 05

Parliamentary report damns secret police as “state within a state” after detailing surveillance and subversion.

21 Feb 05

The cult of personality surrounding Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov resembles Soviet-era worship of Lenin and Stalin.

21 Feb 05

The Kremlin is warning Central Asian states that only Russia can be relied upon to protect them from Islamic radicalism.

21 Feb 05

Teenage prostitution in Kyrgyzstan is causing the authorities increasing concern.

21 Feb 05

The gradual disappearance of the Aral Sea is having a devastating effect on coastal communities.

21 Feb 05

Corruption in Kyrgyzstan is now so endemic it is threatening to bring down the entire economy.

21 Feb 05

Uzbek farmers see hopes of a good harvest receding, as drought attacks rice, cotton and grain crops.

21 Feb 05

Support local journalists