Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan: Hijab Row as New School Year Begins

Headscarf dispute pits secular school system against demands to respect religious freedoms.

End of EU Sanctions Sinks Hope of Change in Uzbekistan

Unregistered Marriages Offer Little Protection

Many marriages in southern Kyrgyzstan are not legally registered, leaving spouses without recourse to the law if things go wrong.

Kyrgyz Reforms Leave President Stronger

Plan for leaner, tighter government seems as much about increasing president’s role as about turning economy round.

Doubts About Kyrgyz Political Reform Plan

Analysts are sceptical that new institutions will make for more democratic decision-making.

Kyrgyz Leader Edges Towards Reform

Economic realities may prod Kurmanbek Bakiev away from autocratic impulses towards reform.

Kyrgyzstan: Patriotic Move Hits Wrong Note

Kyrgyz public unimpressed by new law to make singing national anthem compulsory.

Prominent Turkmen Activist Re-Arrested

Jail for Another Uzbek Rights Activist

Doors of Turkmenistan Closed to Rights Activists