Central Asia

Tajikistan Tightens Marriage Rules

Move appears designed to stop foreign nationals marrying Tajiks to get passports.

Killing Sparks Unrest in Kyrgyz South

Police regain control after protest gets out of hand, but incident highlights simmering ethnic tensions.

Independent Media Under Threat in Tajikistan

Tajiks Plan Better-Regulated Labour Migration

Thin Green Line Defends Tajik-Afghan Frontier

Keeping Up Appearances in Kazakstan

Presidential election serves little purpose apart from claiming democratic credentials.

Unique Insights From Central Asia

An IWPR reporting service covering Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan provides rare snapshots about how people live in these isolated states.

Tashkent Spooked by Web Interest in Arab Protests

Kyrgyzstan's Budget Worries

Kyrgyz Fear Gap in Power Supply