Central Asia

Kazak Media Freedom in Reverse Gear

Continuing persecution backed by raft of retrograde laws.

"Volunteering" Gone Mad in Uzbekistan

Tajik-Uzbek Relations at Low Ebb

As Uzbek leader calls for respect and mutual understanding, many Tajiks believe it is time he showed some.

Kazakstan: Tough Times for Wives of Janaozen Convicts

Struggling to support families, they believe their husbands were made scapegoats for 2011 bloodshed.

Uzbekistan Short of HIV Drugs

Welfare Cuts in Uzbekistan

Uzbek Leader Wakes Up to Mass Emigration

President shows sudden concern for unemployed.

Turkmen Media Law Work of Fiction

One of the world’s most repressive states promises all sorts of freedom.

Will Turkmen State Sell-Off be Fair?

President says privatisation process must be transparent, though some say that has never been how things have worked.

Uzbek Conscripts Pay for Shorter Army Service