Antoine Blua

Central Asia: Is The IMU Still A Threat To Regional Security?

The overthrow of the Taliban in Afghanistan two years ago was accompanied by the apparent demise of a group considered one of the greatest threats to security in Central Asia -- the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU). Some recent reports suggest the IMU may be regrouping. But as RFE/RL reports, a number of experts are not convinced the IMU poses an imminent armed threat to the region.

Central Asia: Kyrgyz Rights Activists Call For End To Deportation Of Uyghurs To China

Kyrgyz human rights campaigners are calling on the Central Asian republics to stop deporting members of the Uyghur community to China, where they face the risk of being victimized. RFE/RL reports that China's neighbors have on several occasions forcibly returned Turkic Muslim Uyghurs suspected of being involved in pro-independence activities.

Kazakhstan: UN Report Highlights Poor State Of Water Resources

The United Nations Development Program has released a report on the state of Kazakhstan's water. The document warns that the poor quality of the country's water resources could lead to a deterioration in people's health and that insufficient supplies could become a major factor hampering the country's economic development.

Central Asia: Shanghai Group Opens Secretariat In Beijing Tomorrow

Foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will open the organization's secretariat tomorrow at a ceremony in the Chinese capital, Beijing. Analysts tell RFE/RL that the event could have lasting significance for the members -- Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Kyrgyzstan: Survey Reports Positive Findings On Religious Freedom

A new report on religion in Kyrgyzstan shows that both registered and unregistered religious communities appear to function freely. However, a conflict surrounding last year's closure of six mosques in southern Kyrgyzstan continues. Also in the south, concerns are growing that Christian proselytism is sparking anger among Muslim believers.

Tajikistan: Public Transport Users In Dushanbe Feel They're Being Taken For A Ride

After three years of unchanged tariffs, those who use public transport in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, now have to pay twice what they used to to get around the city. RFE/RL looks at the reasons behind the move, which is sparking criticism among the capital's population.

Iran: Poor Construction Probably Increased Quake Death Toll

The Iranian city of Bam was virtually flattened by an earthquake on 26 December, killing tens of thousands of people. But a quake of similar strength in California four days earlier killed only two people. RFE/RL investigates the reasons behind this staggering disparity in the loss of life from two similar disasters.

Central Asia: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan Try To Improve Strained Relations

Afghanistan: Women Demand Equal Rights Be Written Into Constitution

Afghanistan: Is A Strong President Needed?

Afghanistan: Assembly Continues Talks On Constitution In Kabul

Tajikistan: EU, Dushanbe Move Forward On Key Partnership And Cooperation Agreement

Kazakhstan: Movement Elects To Transform Itself Into A True Opposition Party

Tajikistan: Secular -- Not Shari'a -- Law Prevails In Eastern Mountains

Uzbekistan: Amnesty Report Accuses Government Of Death Penalty Abuses

Turkmenistan: Ashgabat Takes Further Steps To Suppress Religious Faiths

Kyrgyzstan: Diabetics Mark World Diabetes Day With Anxiety

Uzbekistan: Lives On The Line At Border

Kazakhstan: Plan To Diversify Media Market Comes Under Fire

Central Asia: Girls Face Discrimination In Schooling