Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan: Parliamentary Prayer Room Meets With Resistance

Questions raised about foreign funding source as well as a possible weakening of secular principles.

Communities Struggle to Overcome Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Tensions

Once-positive relationships have been damaged by flare-ups in disputed frontier areas.

Tajiks Unhappy With Land Reform

Appeal of Russian Embrace Fades in Kazakstan

Even pro-government politicians are beginning to speak out against regional integration project.

Bleak Outlook for Sexual Minorities in Kyrgyzstan

Activists report rising trend of homophobic abuse amid widespread intolerance.

Afghans Cross Border to Study in Tajikistan

Rise in Human Trafficking in Tajikistan

Tajik Journalist Fined for Collective Libel

State-sponsored arts bodies win claim that the country’s intelligentsia was defamed.

Kyrgyz Opposition Regroups for Protests

New constellation of opposition leaders hopes to pressure the government, but it is far from certain they will succeed.

TB Scourge in Uzbek Prisons

Authorities fail to treat or even isolate sufferers.