Central Asia

Election Heats Up in Balkh

Northern province sees bitter face-off between powerful governor and the Afghan president.

Uzbekistan's Depreciating Currency

Uzbek Pensioners Reluctant to Switch to Plastic Cards

Afghanistan - A Timeline

Key events in the history of Afghanistan since 2000.

Cautious Welcome for Batken Kindergarten

A new nursery school in southern Kyrgyzstan is offering innovative teaching to prepare children for school, but locals have taken their time to get used to it.

Will Feast Restrictions Work in Kyrgyzstan?

To find out whether plans to legislate against lavish spending on weddings and other celebrations will work, Nurlan Abdaliev visited neighbouring Tajikistan, where similar restrictions are already in place.

Openness a Precondition for Uzbek Reforms

Doubts Over Turkmen Grain Harvest Claims

Poverty Tajikistan's Only Growth Area

More than half the population are already classed as poor, and things look set to get worse as incomes and job opportunities are squeezed.

Water Shortages Spark Rare Protests