Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from March, 2008
Uzbekistan: Presidential Daughter Establishes Think-Tank
Mansurhon tries to understand the purpose of the Center for Political studies founded by Gulnara Karimova, daughter of Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov and rumored successor of the country's leader.
Tajikistan: The murder of Russian journalist
Vadim is concerned that the wrong reporting of the murder of Russian journalist by mass media can increase the anti-Tajik sentiments in Russia.
Kazakhstan: Podcast Interview with Joanna Lillis
Adam Kesher meets Joanna Lillis, a journalist working in Kazakhstan for Eurasianet.Org and Al-Jazeera television. She’s been living in Kazakhstan for 3 years already, and they talk about her first impressions about the country and how they changed over these years.
Kazakhstan: Olympic Torch Lands in Almaty
KZBlog reports that the Olympic Torch will pass through Almaty on 2 April on its way out from Beijing to Istanbul. Almaty, former capital of Kazakhstan and its largest city, will be the first city on the way of relay.
Afghanistan: Hazara People Want Justice
Mohammad writes that representatives of the Hazara ethnic group in Afghanistan arranged a large demonstration in Kabul on March 29, to stop migration of nomadic tribes that threatens agricultural sector in their provinces.
Armenia: Sevan Museum
Robert Dietrich posts photographs of some of the treasures he recently discovered at a small museum outside of the capital. The Peace Corps Volunteer says he was overwhelmed by the amount of items dating back thousands of years and in urgent need of being displayed properly.
Armenia: The Little Prince
The Armenian Patchwork posts photographs of preparations and a performance of The Little Prince in the Armenian capital, Yerevan. The blog seems impressed with the organization of the play for children.
Georgia: Opposition Ends Hunger Strike
TOL Georgia comments on news that the opposition has called off its hunger strike after a second intervention from the Georgian patriarch. With no concessions forthcoming from the government, the blog wonders where the current political situation in Georgia leaves the opposition ahead of the May parliamentary vote.
Armenia: Opposition Protests Continue
Despite amendments to the law on public marches, rallies and demonstrations following the recently lifted state of emergency, the opposition continues to hold meetings on the streets of the Armenian capital. In order to circumvent the restrictions, the gatherings are held under the guise of playing chess, reading books or even eating fast food in public.
Kazakhstan: Khabar TV Channel Fully Nationalized
KZBlog reports that Joint Stock Company Khabar, the television service of the government of Kazakhstan, is now fully nationalized after State Holding Company Samghau bought the remaining 49.999% of shares this week, ensuring full government control.
Armenia: Eurovision Betting Odds
Heckler Spray takes an albeit irreverent look at Armenia's entry in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Nevertheless, the blog says that the song by local singer Sirusho is one of the favorites to win the competition usually ridiculed in Europe but taken very seriously indeed by new competitors from the...
Armenia: Brandy Shootout
Halfway down the Danube hosts a shootout to determine whether Wisconsin's Korbel brandy is better than one of its Armenian counterparts. Its hard to tell which won through in the end, but at least the blogger enjoyed both and doesn't appear too inebriated.
Tajikistan: Politicized Navruz
Navruz is one of the main celebrations for Tajiks. This time — more than ever — it means end of one of the harshest winter in several decades. People could hardly wait for these warm days that have come with the beginning of spring. Navruz has been celebrated throughout the...
Kazakhstan: “Alash”, a new magazine for young patriots
Askhat reports that the Kazakhstani youth movement “Bolashak” is to create their own magazine and newspaper to cover the problems of students and resist the growth of violence and skinheads’ movement in Russia.
Turkmenistan: Fewer Large Families
Maciula wonders if depopulation is a real problem as the Turkmenistan Chronicle suggests in a recent article, and compares the country’s population growth rate with that of neighbouring states.
Kazakhstan: Former Presidential Son-in-Law Named Plotter
Zhanna Zhukova reports on the outcome of the second trial in absentia over presidential foremer son-in-law and key figure in the Kazakhstani establishment Rakhat Aliev. He was earlier sentenced for creation of a mafia gang and abduction of people. Now he is found guilty of plotting a coup.
Afghanistan: Aid Effectiveness in Afghanistan
Khushal reviews the recent study on international aid effectiveness in Afghanistan, which he says demonstrates the failure of international community in delivering what was promised to the Afghan people.
Afghanistan: Nato Now Fires $150,000 a Round
Sanjar says that the US and Canadian armies in Afghanistan are now using GPS-guided artillery shells at the cost of $150,000 a round. This is the most expensive conventional ammunition ever fired by the armies.
Armenia: More Opposition Activists Detained
The Armenian Observer reports that more than a dozen pro-opposition activists, including at least one from the Sksela youth movement have been detained after staging demonstrations on Yerevan's Northern Avenue.
Armenia: New Parliamentary Election
Unzipped comments on suggestions to hold new parliamentary elections in Armenia. The proposal comes from an MP hoping to end the deadlock between the authorities and radical opposition following last month's disputed presidential election.
Armenia: Opposition Diaries
Unzipped posts videos produced by the radical opposition on the post-election turmoil in Armenia. Although both government and opposition continue to disseminate propaganda, The blog says that until an independent and objective inquiry is held, a plurality of opinion should be heard.
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