Middle East

Over the Mountains to Iran

Turkmenistan: Pressed into Service

Recruiters will take anyone, no matter how unfit, to fill the ranks of an army whose main job is to provide a free labour force.

Baghdad Militants' Reign of Terror

Many of the capital’s residential neighbourhoods are in the grip of Muslim extremists.

Abdul Rashid Dostum: Veteran General Lacks Broad Support

The controversial commander Abdul Rashid Dostum has little chance of winning votes outside his own constituency.

Mohammad Ibrahim Rashid: Rashid Pledges Clean Government

Candidate promises to tackle what he sees as pervasive corruption and abuse of power.

Sayed Ishaq Gailani: Ex-Mujahedin With Moderate Views

Former guerrilla leader survived Taleban death threats to stand in the current election.

Abdul Latif Pedram: Intellectual Adds Controversy to Campaign

Abdul Latif Pedram comments on marital issues and federalism have sparked sharp debate.

The New Mullah Omars

The Taleban leader may be out of power but some in authority today continue his repressive policies.

Karzai's Balancing Act

Following an outbreak of violence in Herat, the Afghan president tries to retain the support of an important warlord.

Militias Intimidate Refugees

Hazara gunmen could scupper efforts to return displaced Tajiks and Pashtuns to Bamyan.