An Opposition Enigma in Kyrgyzstan
Can Felix Kulov, a former vice-president and ex-mayor of Bishkek, muster a serious presidential challenge to the incumbent Askar Akaev? Political observers in Bishkek certainly think so.
22 Feb 05
Russia
Kyrgyz General Blames Fighting on Drug Barons
Russian and Central Asian troops are to launch joint military exercises this month in anticipation of fresh incursions across the Kyrgyz-Tajik border
22 Feb 05
Turkey Holds out Olive Branch
Turkish-Uzbek relations have been frosty ever since Tashkent accused Ankara of sheltering suspected terrorists
22 Feb 05
Kyrgyz Army in Crisis
The lessons learned in two recent military campaigns have failed to usher major reforms of the cash-strapped Kyrgyz army
22 Feb 05
Almaty Faces Provincial Obscurity
Analysts speculate that President Nazarbaev is attempting to rein in an old political rival by removing his powerbase in southern Kazakstan
22 Feb 05
Kazak Army Reforms 'Unrealistic'
Military experts are sceptical about government plans to overhaul the armed forces
22 Feb 05
Gas Guarantees Tashkent Political Leverage
Uzbekistan's neighbours are seeking alternative energy sources in an effort to escape dependence on Tashkent
22 Feb 05
IMF Under Fire in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz are bitter over what they see as crippling IMF credit conditions
22 Feb 05
Kazakstan: US Pushes Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline
Washington seeks to bolster US economic interests in the Caspian region at the expense of Russia and Iran.
22 Feb 05
Students Hit by Latest Niazov Decree
Ban on students buying foreign currency likely to stop many completing their education abroad.
22 Feb 05
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