Caucasus
Armenia Border Villages Suffer for Lack of Water
The villages of Sarigyugh and Berqaber lie right next to a reservoir – but its proximity to a hostile border means they cannot use the water.
Job Fairs Slow to Take Off
To ease the homecoming of migrant workers returning from Russia, the Tajik authorities are now holding job fairs in the capital Dushanbe.
Armenian Gays Face Long Walk to Freedom
Society remains as relentlessly homophobic here as elsewhere in the Caucasus, but activists say there some grounds for hope.
Azeri Muslims Feel State Far From Friendly
Believers says problems over mosques, headscarves and the Hajj reflect official climate of indifference or hostility.
Kazakstan: Alarm at School Drug Test Plan
Minister says screening essential in war on drugs, but critics warn of unwarranted state interference.
Economic Downturn Hits Migrant Workers' Families
Although many Kyrgyz labour migrants are hanging on in hope of better times in Russia, their families back home are finding that the money they send home is drying up.
Kyrgyz Journalists in Shock at Attack on Colleague
Media-watchers fear brutal assault was deliberate attempt to curb free speech.
Azeri Muslims Feel State Far From Friendly
Believers says problems over mosques, headscarves and the Hajj reflect official climate of indifference or hostility.
Currency Shock Triggers Consumer Panic in Armenia
Overnight drop in value of dram feeds savers’ worries and sends shoppers rushing to stores to stock up.