Russia

Russia Gas Price Hike Shocks Armenians

Already hit by recession, people fear pain from massive price rise.

Female Ex-Cons Struggle to Find Jobs in Tajikistan

Abkhazia Hopes for Oil Find

But some worry that offshore wells may harm tourism.

Young Tajiks Seek Voice Through Elections

Although many of the candidates nominated for the forthcoming elections in Tajikistan are young, the past record suggests that few of them will make it into parliament or local councils.

Press Under Threat In The North Caucasus

The difficulties of working as an independent journalist in the Russian Caucasus.

South Ossetia: Everyday Fears

The residents of the unrecognised republic live in daily fear of new conflict with Georgia.

Georgia-Russian Relations at Boiling Point

Moscow and Tbilisi in war of words over South Ossetia, visas and the gas pipeline.

Russian Prison Hell for Chechens

Allegations of widespread abuse of Chechens held in Russian prisons, and claims that many were convicted on false charges.

Azerbaijan: Russians Come to Terms With Minority Status

The Russian language is vanishing in Azerbaijan as the community dwindles.

Taleban Buying Guns From Former Warlords

Insurgents in north take advantage of big arms caches retained by ex-militiamen in contravention of major disarmament programme.