Afghanistan
Central Asia and the struggle for water
The Kyrgyz have a saying: "El bashi bolboy, suu bashi bol", which translates to: "Do not be the head of the people, but be at the source, the head of the water." This old proverb remains extremely relevant today. Water is life.
Four years to turn Central Asia’s water woes around
Landlocked region set to experience constant water stress once Afghanistan's Qosh Tepa canal project is completed in 2028 if steps to improve water management are not taken, say experts at a Eurasian Development Bank forum.
Perspectives: ISKP posing rising threat to Central Asia
Outreach campaign shifts into top gear.
COMMENT: The Kremlin moves to normalise relations with Afghanistan's Taliban
Ahead of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June, Moscow has handed a public relations victory to the Taliban by proposing to take it off the Kremlin's terrorist list.
Kyrgyzstan sets itself a herculean hydro task in massive energy reform
At special forum in Vienna, ministers present financial institutions with ambitious projects that could power growth across Central Asia.
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PODCAST: Emerging Global with Bruce Pannier on Turkmenistan's troubles
A country with the fourth largest gas reserves in the world is struggling to sell its natural bounty. Daniel Rad interviewed regional expert Bruce Pannier on its plight.
Suicide fighters training in Afghanistan religious schools a danger to CSTO nations, warns likely next Tajik leader
Rustam Emomali says dozens of extremist and terrorist groups have strengthened positions on Afghan soil despite Taliban claiming to have things under control.
IMF: Scars of conflict are deeper and longer lasting in Middle East and Central Asia
The negative economic effects of conflicts are larger and more persistent, partly reflecting a sharper impact of higher-intensity conflicts in these regions.
Uzbekistan “will suffer” as Taliban canal diverts fifth of Amu Darya river, warns expert
Water scarcity will be exacerbated by leakage due to poor construction, natural resources specialist tells conference.
PANNIER: Russia is pushing Turkmenistan out of the natural gas market
Moscow’s moves to take over Central Asian pipeline capacity for deliveries to China might explain unusual urgency in the Turkmen search for new customers.
New plan for getting Turkmen gas to Europe – pipe it to Pakistan and ship it as LNG
Pakistani petroleum minister outlines proposal at energy symposium. Says TAPI pipeline could be completed solely with Islamabad and Ashgabat funding.
1,200 Pakistani students at Kyrgyzstan International University leave country after mob violence shock
Investigation into mass disorder and incitement of ethnic and racial hatred launched. But officials under fire for pointing finger at "illegal migrants".
Pakistan repatriates 180 citizens after mob violence in Bishkek leaves 29 injured
Kyrgyz government issues apology following claims authorities were slow to respond to situation and protect international students.
Iranian cleric warns of security threat from collapsing birthrate
Imam of Yasuj, Ayatollah Seyyed Nasir Hosseini, has issued a stark warning about the security threats posed by Iran's ageing population, urging for a strong national and religious response
Heavy floods claim several lives in Iran's second biggest city Mashhad
Heavy floods in the Iranian city of Mashhad have killed several people who were stuck in a submerged car as a torrent of water swept them away.
PANNIER: Kazakhstan helping to get wheels turning on Afghanistan railway projects
Growing optimism on ambitions to link Central Asia via Afghan territory to Pakistan’s Arabian Sea ports, the Gulf and Iran.