Central Asia

Traders Seek Compensation for Kazak Market Fire

Uninsured stallholders say they lost everything in devastating blaze.

Tajik Opposition Candidate Seeks Consensus

Interview with Oinikhol Bobonazarova, a veteran NGO figure picked to stand against the current president.

Surprise Candidate for Tajik Opposition

Opposition bloc settles for leading civil society figure rather than politician.

Murky Waters in Uzbek City

Chronic under-investment in water management creates frequent supply cuts for residents of major town.

Shanghai Bloc Struggles for Relevance

Leading members Russia and China ultimately have separate interests, especially when it comes to trade and energy deals in Central Asia.

Tajik Opposition Still Unclear on Election Tactics

Bullying, Extortion Plague Kyrgyz Schools

Abuse of fellow-pupils seen as part of wider culture of lawlessness and violence.

Southern Kyrgyz Mayor Builds on Success

Mayor of Osh splashes out on reconstruction, but some say he favours his own ethnic community.

Central Asia at Risk From Post-2014 Afghanistan

Militant groups could use greater freedom of movement within Afghanistan to target countries to the north, experts say.

Tajikistan's Education Deficit