Central Asia

Chasing Phantoms in the Tajik Mountains

Analysts consider chances of revival of Islamic insurgency as authorities reject claims that guerrilla bands are roaming the hills.

The Village of Widows

Women in Herat cope alone after losing husbands to drug trafficking.

President to Benefit From Kyrgyz Summer Polls

Opposition says election timing geared towards low turnout, making ballot-rigging easier.

Kyrgyz Cops Out in Force for Election

Authorities accused of using police to pressure opposition campaigners.

Turkmenistan: US Airbase Deal 'Not Discussed'

Uzbekistan Talks Up Reforms

Kyrgyz Industry Short of Robot Technology

An innovative robot made as a student project merely underlines the general lack of high-tech research into industrial production.

Staffing Crisis in Tajik Mental Hospitals

Jamoliddin Saifiddinov reports from southern Tajikistan where the level of psychiatric care is declining because hospitals cannot recruit or retain doctors.

Pilgrims Urged to Consider Charity at Home

Tajik president Imomali Rahmon has urged Muslims to economise by refraining from going on the annual pilgrimage, especially if they have already been to Mecca.

Turkmenistan: Local Elections Fail to Inspire