Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from October, 2013
Halloween in Tajikistan: Devil Worship or Innocent Fun?
In Tajikistan where most people have not even heard about Halloween, even rare Halloween fun raises eyebrows.
Yelling and Fist-banging at UN Review of Uzbekistan's Torture Record
Authorities in Uzbekistan prefer to deal with allegations of torture, forced sterilization of women, and use of slave labor to harvest cotton primarily through yelling and insulting experts.
Central Asia's Presidents: Political Stalwarts and Musical Softies
Some presidents in Central Asian countries sing, dance, and play musical instruments. When they fail to impress their populations, however, people sing against them.
“Let Russians Sweep Their Own Streets”: Minorities Ponder Ethnic Violence
Non-ethnic Russians have been keen to express their views on the Biryulyovo riots online, using the language common to many of them - Russian.
After a Fatal Car Crash, Tajik President is Told to “Get His House in Order”
A relative of the Tajik president has left the country after causing a fatal accident. Netizens now scorn at police and urge the president to keep his family in check.
Tajikistan Introduces Controversial “Ethics Code” For Internet Users
As Tajikistan adopts ethical guidelines for the users of internet services and personal electronic devices, netizens fear that he authorities might use the document to control free expression.
‘Politics is a Men-Only Game': Female Candidate Quits Presidential Race in Tajikistan
Saddened by the failure of Tajikistan's female presidential candidate to enter the race, netizens are pessimistic about the country's future. Some say they will boycott the vote and emigrate.
Warlords, Democrats and Extremists – Afghanistan's Next Presidential Candidates
Afghans are reflecting on the list of candidates for their presidential elections in 2014. The candidates' picks for vice-president positions demonstrate the importance of ethnic balancing in the divided country.
Amid More Political Discord, Kyrgyzstan's Media Suffers
As Kyrgyzstan's Kumtor gold mine continues to stir political friction, anonymous "sources" cited by mainstream media claim to have all the answers.
Jump off the Bridge! The Tajik President's Motorcade is Coming
A recent incident in the capital of Tajikistan has revealed how much the country's netizens hate presidential motorcades.
One-Third of the World's Babies Don't Have Birth Certificates
No birth certificate can mean children cannot enroll in school or receive medical care. An interview with Evelina Martelli, project manager for BRAVO!, a programme pushing for birth registration.
About our Central Asia & Caucasus coverage
Filip Noubel is the interim Central Asia editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.
