Middle East

Low Ballot Turnout Expected in Volatile Sunni Region

Under siege and wary of politics, many residents will avoid the constitutional referendum.

Iraqi Views of the Constitution Referendum

Push to Prepare Women for Referendum

As ballot on constitution approaches, efforts are made to ensure women are equipped to make informed choice.

Public Unenthused by Constitution Poll

Apathy and ignorance leaves many Baghdad residents ill-prepared for historic vote.

Herat Firms in Trouble

Companies say they’re going to the wall because the government is failing to protect them from cheap Iranian imports.

Comment: Central Asia Faces Growing Divisions

A marked increase in regional disunity is draining countries of their resources and increasing their dependence on outside powers.

Bulgaria: Socialists Sound New Foreign Policy Note

New leaders make it clear they will not tamely follow their predecessors’ policies on either Iraq or Europe.

Georgia: Iranian Missionary Work Questioned

Religious groups from Iran are unsettling members of Georgia’s ethnic Azeri minority.

Armenians Choose Independent Path

Delegates at a conference on Armenia’s future voted for independent development, rather than placing too much reliance on Russia or Europe.

Albania: Imam Killing Exposes Muslim Divisions

Murder of cleric appears to have exposed rift between moderate Muslim establishment and youthful hard liners.