Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Border Shooting Prompts Theories, But No Answers

Despite the fact that the two sides regularly meet to discuss border issues and work together to demarcate unmarked sections of the border, shootings keep occurring.

Women's Struggle for Clean Water in Kyrgyzstan

UnitedKyrgyzstan blog tells [ru] a story of the daily struggle for clean water faced by women and children in many parts of rural Kyrgyzstan: It is the task of women...

Turkmenistan's Internet Blues

Cyber-optimism is is in short supply in repressive Turkmenistan, and it is not difficult to see why.

Kyrgyzstan's President Accuses Britain of “Dirty Lies”

Kyrgyz president Almas Atambayev slammed the British government for "hosting" the son of the country's ousted dictator in a Guardian interview. Kyrgyz netizens weigh the wisdom of his outburst.

Gay Uzbekistan: Unknown Singer Stands for an Alternative Lifestyle

A mysterious musician in drag recently hit YouTube with a song about the sweetness of forbidden tea, reminding the world that Uzbeks, too, can be gay.

Kyrgyz Block Water to Kazakhstan, Demanding the Return of “Their” Land

Under communism land and water weren't a source of friction for the peoples of Soviet Central Asia. But over two decades of sovereignty, things have changed.

Russian Blood on the Asphalt, Armenian Hands on the Wheel

Eastern & Central Europe  17 July 2013

A fatal bus crash that killed 18 has heightened anti-immigrant tensions in Russia.

Gulnara Karimova: Mocked Abroad, Loved (and Feared) in Uzbekistan

Gulnara Karimova, the upwardly mobile daughter of Uzbekistan's aging "President for Life" Islam Karimov, celebrated her 41st birthday in typically decadent style on July 8. But as she enters mid-life, there are still few clues as to what job titles lie on the horizon for the woman known as Guli, Googoosha, Dr. Karimova, and The Dictator's Daughter.

Journalist Sued for Comparing Tajik ‘Intelligentsia’ to Excrement

Tajikistan's state-approved 'intelligentsia' is showing itself to be more thin-skinned than intelligent.

Turkmens Appalled, J Lo Performs for Their President's Grand Birthday

Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov got a fine 56th birthday present at the end of last month in the form of a concert starring Jennifer Lopez held at Turkmenistan's $2 billion state palace. But many ordinary Turkmens registered disgust at the display of opulence in a country where the average salary hovers around $200 per month.

Domestic Violence in Kyrgyzstan

Most girls and women in Kyrgyzstan are afraid of leaving their homes alone when it gets dark, believing that a dark street is the most frequent crime scene in the...

‘Celebrities for Hire’ in Central Asia

On Registan.net, Aijan Sharshenova explains why ‘celebrities for hire’ (including pop diva Jennifer Lopez) entertaining the authoritarian leaders of post-Soviet Central Asian republics unwillingly improve their image among domestic audiences.

Traditional Kyrgyz Clothing

Personal appearance can tell a lot about a person and his nation. Traditional clothes of the Kyrgyz people is important part of material and spiritual culture of the nation, and it is closely linked with the country’s history

Game Over for the US Airbase in Kyrgyzstan?

After over a decade of scandal, intrigue and significant contributions to the state coffers, the Kyrgyzstani people are preparing for the consummation of their love-hate relationship with the American military installation located on the outskirts of their capital, Bishkek.

Tajik MP is Against Mixed Marriages “Especially with Chinese“

It is rare that the deputies in Tajikistan's pliant parliament become national talking points, but Saodat Amirshoeva, a female MP with strong views about mixed marriages, is fast becoming a name on everyone's tongues.