Central Asia

Uzbekistan: Soviet Pesticides Leave Bitter Legacy

Farmland still contaminated with DDT from past decades, experts say.

Low Expectations of Presidential Poll Among Kyrgyz Voters

Informal survey suggests most people believe current president won’t face serious challenge.

Turkmenistan: New Pipeline, Old Horizons?

Authorities want capacity to shift gas to market from giant field, but many proposed export routes currently look less than viable.

Tajikistan's Under-Age Market Workers

As Tajikistan tries to curb child labour in the cotton fields, many children are hard at work at urban markets.

Tajik Drivers Alarmed at Toll Road

The introduction of tolls on the major highway leading from the capital Dushanbe to Khujand, the main town in northern Tajikistan, has not gone down well with drivers.

Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan Fall Off Corruption Watchdog's Blacklist

Russian, Ukrainian Presidents Off to Turkmenistan

Upsurge in Militant Presence in Kyrgyzstan

Porous border makes country's south vulnerable to incursions, experts say.

Kyrgyzstan's Lacklustre Election Campaign

Apathetic public and short run-up period leave little scope for candidates to build up head of steam.

Kyrgyz Abandon Passports Along With Country

Population loss has serious implications for Kyrgyzstan’s future, say experts.