Central Asia
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.
Peshawar Smuggling Boom
Roaring smuggling trade across Afghan border keep Peshawar markets humming.
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.
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.
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.
Investment Turn-off
Government plans to encourage foreign investment are hampered by, amongst other things, the absence of a private banking system and labyrinthine bureaucracy.
Bollywood, Afghan-style
Indian and Afghan filmmakers are back in Kabul, hoping to cash in on an audience starved of cinema.
Instability Threatens Reconstruction
Efforts to rebuild Afghanistan are being undermined by warlordism and the resurgence of the Taleban.
Grozny Haggles for Power
Plan to grant Chechen administration wide economic powers is still in first draft, but it is already under fire from all sides.