Middle East
Baghdad Traffic at a Standstill
Military checkpoints and road closures bring transport deadlock.
Iraqis Drink to New-Found Freedom
Liquor sales in Baghdad rise, as threat from insurgents lessens following government crackdown.
Traditional Weddings Bring Heartache
Women who wed according to traditional custom are left with few rights.
Turkmenistan's Kazaks Protest School Closures
Repressive language laws are forcing ethnic Kazaks out of Turkmenistan.
Sandzak's Black-Market Bugle Boys
Muslims who fled Yugoslavia's Sandzak region are not returning, and little else is functioning except for factories starting once again to make 'Original' Levi's 501 jeans and other bogus brand names.
Dangers Still Lurk on Improved Highways
While road conditions are better, security is a concern for those driving on the country’s main highways.
Snows Bring Mixed Blessings
While the heaviest accumulation in at least five years may help ease the current drought, some suffer from the inclement weather.
Seeking a Safe Haven
Having fled Iraq, Iran and Pakistan, 29 refugees are seeking sanctuary in Afghanistan.
Untangling Traffic in the Capital
A plan to restore electric bus service in Kabul may go a long way towards easing congestion and pollution.