Central Asia

Deathtrap Highway

Hundreds of people die annually on the Bishkek-Osh highway, the main artery connecting the north and south of Kyrgyzstan.

Southern Town Loses Water Supply

The town of Batken in the south of Kyrgyzstan found itself without fresh drinking water when the mains supply burst.

Tajik Ballet Tattered but Proud

In Soviet times, Tajikistan used to be famous for its ballet troupe, but now those dancers who have not emigrated are fighting an uphill battle to maintain standards.

Northern Tajikistan's Crumbling Industry

In a report on the northern region of Soghd, Kamari Ahrorzoda asked just how bad a year 2008 was for residents of an area that used to be Tajikistan’s economic powerhouse.

Islamic Fundamentalist Group Banned

The Supreme Court of Tajikistan has outlawed the Salafi movement, a fundamentalist strand of Islam that is growing in popularity among young people in urban areas of Tajikistan.

Turkmen Leader to Visit Uzbekistan

Incompetent Officials Hinder Turkmen Reforms

Turkmen Farmers to Get Higher Prices

Gas Transit Safety Talks in April

School Closure Provokes Anger

A unilateral decision to keep a school in Talas region closed well beyond the winter holiday period has baffled pupils and teachers alike.