Left on the Shelf
The number of so-called old maids, or unmarried women, in Iraq has increased over the last two decades.
20 Dec 06
Middle East
Turkey a Magnet for Migrant Workers
High unemployment in Turkmenistan is forcing thousands of people to work as illegal migrants in Turkey.
18 Dec 06
Turkmen Army Unfit for Service
Army recruiters in Turkmenistan will take anyone, no matter how unfit, to fill the ranks of an army whose main job is to provide a free labour force. IWPR has learned that the military is even calling up people with disabilities in its desperate attempt t
18 Dec 06
Activists Defy Extremists in Call for Tolerance
Female civil society campaigners work with clerics from different faiths to promote dialogue and unity.
16 Dec 06
Turkmen-Iran Free Trade Zone Withers
Hopes that business and cultural links would be boosted have been dashed by lack of interest from both Turkmen and Iranian governments.
15 Dec 06
Sunnis Fight Off Insurgents
Sunnis targeted by al-Qaeda groups in western Iraq have formed their own militia.
11 Dec 06
Students Abuse University Admissions Scheme
Well-connected students exploit programme designed to get former peshmerga into higher education.
9 Dec 06
Blasphemy Row Inflames Azerbaijan
Islamists say journalist who allegedly impugned Islam deserves to die.
7 Dec 06
Toiling Away
Women are expected to look after the house and go out to work - and at the same time comply with social traditions that restrict their freedom.
4 Dec 06
Armenia Ruminates Over Membership
Yerevan seeks to build better relations with Brussels, while not offending Moscow.
3 Dec 06
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