Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from April, 2014
Kyrgyz Parliament Considers Anti-Gay Law
The parliament of Kyrgyzstan is considering a bill that criminalizes any activity seen as promoting “a positive attitude toward non-traditional sexual relations”. Very similar to Russia's anti-gay propaganda law, the bill is expected to become law soon. Meanwhile, a Kyrgyz blogger argues [ru] that the bill which is targeting the...
Bektau-Ata, Kazakhstan's “Kingdom of Unearthly Beauty”
A group of Kazakhstani bloggers recently returned from a trip to Bektau-Ata mountain tract which has been described as “a kingdom of unearthly beauty, full of grandeur and freedom”. One of the bloggers has posted a video depicting the breathtaking scenery of Bektau-Ata: Detailed photo reports from the trip can be seen...
Army Drafters “Do Not Give a Damn About the President” in Tajikistan
In mid-February 2014, the president of Tajikistan ordered [ru] that recruitment offices stop using “illegal practices” in drafting young men into the army. Blogger Rustam Gulov who has written much about illegal drafting techniques in Tajikistan suggests [ru] that the president's order has not really changed anything: A lot of...
Does Kyrgyzstan Need A Putin?
There is only one Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, but does a fledgling democracy like Kyrgyzstan need its own version?
“Bring the Bottle”: Youth Activists Behind Bars in Azerbaijan
While the government continues its witch-hunt, curtailing the freedoms of activists and critics, the lives of officials and their families remain untouched by everyday human rights violations in Azerbaijan.
Afghanistan Shows the Taliban the Middle Finger
Afghans have faced down the Taliban and their votes are being counted. Meanwhile, one candidate is already declaring himself the first round's preliminary leader.
How Sore will Afghanistan's Presidential Losers Prove?
The victor of Afghanistan's hotly-contested presidential vote will probably need a second round to prevail and may never get to hear his opponents' concession speeches: This is winner takes all.
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