Dumbing Down Turkmenistan
Thousands of high school leavers find they can’t go to university, and can’t get a job either.
21 Feb 05
Central Asia
Uzbekistan: No Love Lost in Karakalpak Bride Thefts
Old practice of abducting women persists despite opposition from Uzbek laws, Muslim clerics and the forced brides themselves.
21 Feb 05
Further Growth in Uzbek Child Labour
Schoolchildren are spending their holidays doing backbreaking and potential dangerous manual labour, for no pay.
21 Feb 05
Monopoly Games in Kazakstan
Respected anti-monopoly chief slapped down after upsetting well-connected oligarch.
21 Feb 05
Turkmenistan's Rising Drugs Crisis
Opium and heroin becoming commonplace as authorities fail to tackle spiralling problem.
21 Feb 05
Tashkent Courts Moscow and Beijing
Regional gathering underlines Uzbekistan’s shifting foreign policy priorities.
21 Feb 05
Turkmenistan: Bride Tax Forces Women Into Exile
Turkmen women flee to Uzbekistan to get around decree that places too high a price on their happiness.
21 Feb 05
Kyrgyzstan's Fading Romance With the West
President Akaev’s warning that outside forces are pushing for a Georgian-style revolution looks like a tactic to ward off criticism of next year’s elections.
21 Feb 05
Turkmenistan's Foreign Uzbeks
Uzbeks living on the wrong side of the border are told to get Turkmen passports – or get out.
21 Feb 05
Mould Breaking Kyrgyz Politicians
Kyrgyz voters are looking to a new generation of politicians to improve their quality of life.
21 Feb 05
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