Central Asia

Soaring Energy Costs Anger Kyrgyz

Standard of living hit hard by steep rise in prices of electricity and central heating.

Kyrgyz Consumers Switched Off by Phone Charges

Anti-monopoly agency to investigate new fee charged by phone companies.

Uzbekistan: No Bribes, Honestly

Kyrgyzstan: Concern Over Journalists' Safety

Violent attacks prompt media community to act.

Turkmen Government's Demolition Campaign Criticised

Evicted residents struggle to get compensation as houses make way for roads and high-rise blocks.

Female Ex-Cons Struggle to Find Jobs in Tajikistan

Turkmenistan: New Chief for State's Human Rights Body

Uzbeks Seek Korean Help for Oil and Gas Exploration

Uzbeks Work on Rapprochement with US

Pakistani Taleban Bruised But Unbowed

American and Pakistani actions against the insurgents appear to have had limited impact.