Middle East

Georgia: Russian Border Opening Plan Under Scrutiny

Mixed motives seen in proposed move to end three-year frontier closure.

Azerbaijan: Ethnic Azeri Immigrants in Rights Struggle

They say the country’s immigration law makes it hard for them to gain permanent residence permits.

Erbil Citadel Set for Major Renovation

Is Second Round Possible?

Election commission officials call for second round of voting, but time, weather, and security are against them.

Fear Chokes Nasiriya's Song

Iraq’s city of singers silenced by edicts and threats against secular music.

Ex-Erbil Citadel Residents Bemoan Relocation

Many of 800 families moved to preserve ancient site bitter about their transfer and claim they were inadequately compensated.

Art Students Barred From Drawing Life Models

Audio slideshow produced during an IWPR workshop for young Syrian journalists held in Damascus, November 2009.

Gays and Lesbians Battle Discrimination

Law and society treat homosexuals as criminals, outcasts or mentally ill.

Afghans Fear Insurgent Infiltration Across Iran Border

Some officials say Herat frontier checkpoint giving Taleban a backdoor into Afghanistan.

Is Uzbek Guerrilla Force Planning Homecoming?

Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan has relocated next door to Tajikistan, though analysts doubt it will move back into Central Asia.