Central Asia

Kazak Authorities Seek Return of Syria Fighters

Footage appearing to show Kazaks with hard-line Islamist rebels causes shockwaves back home.

Tajik Labour Migrants Need Better Rights, Better Preparation

Tajik Opposition Sunk its Own Candidate's Chances

Armenian Businesses Weigh Customs Deal

Joining a former Soviet trading bloc could mean higher prices for most imported goods.

No Real Choice in Tajik Election

Election observers from European states find there wasn’t much to vote about.

Business as Usual in Tajik Presidential Polls

Current president faces no real opposition, and many voters are unaware of other candidates.

Voter Unawareness in Tajik Southeast

Coercive Labour for Uzbek Cotton

Young children no longer seen, but older pupils still press-ganged for arduous autumn harvest.

Kazak Campaigners Take on Russian Rockets

New group wants end to “toxic” Baikonur launches, but its agenda may be more political than environmental.

Tajik Opposition's Election Plans Dashed

No one was predicting a surprise victory for the challenger, but she has dropped out of the race before it even starts.