Central Asia

Tajiks, Kyrgyz Grapple With Frontier Issues

Recent clash shows how niggling resentments can suddenly explode.

Emerging Force in Tajik Politics Arrested

Former minister Zayd Saidov faces a range of charges a month after he launched a political party.

Kazakstan Shrugs Off Human Rights Concerns

Economics count for more than rights, and western governments have little leverage anyway.

Tajikistan to Ban Cousin Marriage

Formal prohibition unlikely to stamp out widespread tradition.

Kazakstan Journalist at Risk of Forcible Psychiatric Treatment

Concerns that hate speech laws are being used to silence anti-corruption campaigner and other government critics.

Bleak Media Outlook in Repressive Stans

More than two decades after independence, press freedom remains stifled in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Two Kazaks Charged in Boston Case

Court hears that they hid evidence to protect the younger Tsarnaev brother.

Kyrgyzstan Edges Towards Customs Union

Membership of former Soviet bloc is as much about political alliances as about economics.

Dismay, Disbelief Among Kyrgyzstan's Chechens

Residents of Tsarnaev family’s home town say it’s wrong to hang blame on entire ethnic group.

Russians Say Tajikistan Trains "Health Hazard"