Afghanistan: Heroin Trade Dilemma
If the new Afghan government bows to international pressure to ban poppy cultivation the economic consequences could be catastrophic.
21 Feb 05
Central Asia
Desperate Women Seek Solace in Drugs
Long-suffering women turn to opium in order to deal with the harsh realities of Afghan life.
21 Feb 05
Troubled Ismaili Homecoming
Exiled Ismailis returning to their homes in the north find little has changed since end of Taleban era.
21 Feb 05
US Set for Long Stay in Central Asia
The US has said it won't contribute to the Afghan peacekeeping force, but it is stepping up military deployment elsewhere in the region.
21 Feb 05
Uzbekistan: Calls for End to Mine Policy Rejected
Tashkent is to continue mining its borders even though the threat from Islamic militants appears to have diminished significantly.
21 Feb 05
Peshawar Smuggling Boom
Roaring smuggling trade across Afghan border keep Peshawar markets humming.
21 Feb 05
Race Against Time to Destroy Locust Menace
A plague of locusts is threatening to devastate large swathes of farmland, just as tens of thousands of refugees return from exile.
21 Feb 05
Defections Undermine Afghan Sports
After nine players abandon their football team during a tour of Italy, doubt is cast on whether teams will be invited to compete in western European countries again.
21 Feb 05
Compromise Key to Loya Jirga Success
Delegates to the Afghan grand assembly must strike a balance between democracy and stability otherwise it could serve to divide the Afghan nation once again.
21 Feb 05
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