Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from May, 2015
How Kyrgyzstan's Favourite Fermented Drink Became a National Symbol
'I started to save money for a car, but couldn't resist the temptation to buy Shoro.'
The Boomerang Effect: Why Would Tajikistan's Special Forces Chief Join ISIS?
"This is the most well-made film of a Tajik IS fighter. Unsurprisingly, they have quickly used [him] for recruitment purposes."
HIV/AIDS Corruption Is a Business for Central Asian Bureaucrats
"The whole system is corrupt, starting with the government. The fish rots from the head."
The Poetical Is Political as Tajik Wordsmith Declares ‘Death to Afghanistan’
'I do believe, that whoever wishes death to Afghanistan, cannot have any love for Tajikistan.'
Afghan Rapper Escaped Teen Marriage by Singing About It
Sonita Alizadeh is now living and going to school in the US, and she’s still making music about social justice in Afghanistan.
Mr. Bureaucrat, Russia's ‘Wrinkled’ Young Women Would Like a Word
In response to a sexist outburst by a ranking government official, young women have started posting selfies with the hashtag #WrinkledWoman while scrunching up their faces to lampoon the remark.
Human Rights Abuses in Azerbaijan: We Can’t Stay On The Sidelines Anymore
Arzu Geybullayeva calls on Western leaders to speak out on political prisoners in Azerbaijan as the country prepares to host the European Games.
Ten Years on from Andijan Massacre, an Uzbek Pleads for Freedom
"I am not a terrorist. I have never done anything like that."
Did a Journalist Save a Chechen Teenager from Marrying a 57-Year-Old Police Captain? No.
Last week, we reported that a journalist had succeeded in preventing a Chechen teenager from being married against her will. It now appears the marriage will go through, after all.
Tajikistan: Pristine Nature and the Echo of History
Some people do not even know Tajikistan exists. They are missing out.
How a Schoolboy ‘Son’ of Tajikistan's President Extracted a Massive Bribe from a Citizen
"I bet that he is the scion of some other official, because we could never afford to educate our children at this school."
How a Russian Journalist Ruined a Chechen Wedding
How an independent Russian journalist averted the forced marriage of a 17-year-old Chechen girl to a high-ranking, 57-year-old police official.
Turkmenistan Singer Gives Apple a Sales Boost
Once you hear this Central Asian ode to the iPhone, you won't be able to un-hear it.
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