Economy

Armenian Economy a Source of Shame

Corruption and tax evasion have increased inequality.

Powers of Darkness in North Afghanistan

Electricity shortages as power grid project goes nowhere.

Gold Dispute Won't Help Uzbekistan's Image

Government faces international court showdown with foreign mining firm.

Kazakstan's Unhappy Oil Workers

Crushing or ignoring self-confident labour movement could prove serious miscalculation.

Hostages to Misfortune in Afghanistan

NATO troops urged not to hand over detainees to Afghan counterparts.

Armenian Leaders Place Hopes in Farm Reforms

Government offers cheap loans and tax-free fertiliser, but farmers say it isn't enough.

Drought Alarm in Turkmenistan

Afghan Taxes Squeezing Poorest

Import duties simply translate into punitive prices while local businesses get away with unpaid taxes, experts say.

Fertiliser Ban Hits Afghan Farmers

Ammonium nitrate banned because of its use as explosive, but orchard owners say their trees are starved of nutrients.

Oiling Wheels in Afghanistan

Neighbouring states may be unhappy to see Afghans producing and refining their own oil.