RFE/RL Central Asia Report
4/30/2012 9:06:36 PM
A review of RFE/RL reporting and analysis about the five countries of Central Asia.
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Turkmen Mary Made CIS Culture Capital
A ceremony has been held in Turkmenistan's southern city of Mary to mark the city officially obtaining the status of cultural capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) for 2012. More 
Kazakh President's Brother Claims Family Cheated Him Out Of Luxury Apartment
The brother of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has filed papers in a New York City court alleging that his ex-wife and her son conspired to steal his $20 million apartment in the city's swanky Plaza Hotel. More 
Tajik Scholar In Muslim Language Row
A prominent scholar in Tajikistan is being criticized after calling for Muslim prayers in the country to be performed in the Tajik language rather than Arabic More 
Hospitalized Kazakh Journalist On Trial
A Kazakh journalist who sustained serious injuries in a recent assault went on trial in absentia on April 27 in a libel case. More 
Tajik Football Club Sanctioned After Beating Team Founded By President's Son
The Football Federation of Tajikistan (FFT) has taken disciplinary action for the second time in less than a year against one of the country’s most popular football teams, triggering furious reaction from supporters of the club. More 
No Horsing Around: Turkmenistan Gets Serious About Equine Holiday
The Central Asian country of Turkmenistan is getting set for its annual Horse Day celebrations, which traditionally take place on the last Sunday of April. More 
Bishkek's 'Eternal Flame' Is Snuffed Out
Kyrgyzstan's "eternal flame" war memorial in the capital, Bishkek, is intended as an everlasting homage to the former Soviet Union's glorious victory in World War II. Unfortunately, it seems this noble notion for a memorial cuts no ice with the gas man. More 
Former U.S. Presidential Candidate Cain Still Has No Idea Who Uzbek President Is
Former Republican Party presidential candidate and all around colorful guy Herman Cain recently looked back at his campaign trail blunders. Cue the U-beki-beki-beki-stan-stan tape. More 
Cultural Learnings Of Kazakhstan Make Benefit Tony Blair
Kazakhstan's state television has aired a promotional video that features prominent former Western leaders, including former Tony Blair, singing the praises of President Nursultan Nazarbaev. More 
Kazakh Journalist Says Attack Ordered
A Kazakh journalist who sustained serious injuries in an assault says the attack must have been ordered by individuals "who did not like my articles." More 
Kazakhstan Changes Tune, Credits 'Borat' For Tourism Turnaround
After years of bitterness, bans, and musical chaos, Kazakhstan has come to embrace its most unsavory "export" when Kazakh Foreign Minister Erzhan Qazykhanov credited Sacha Baron Cohen's 2006 film "Borat" for helping increase international tourism to his country. More |
