Stories about Tajikistan from February, 2007
Tajikistan: Food for the Neigbhors
Elizabeth posts on the Tajik tradition of bringing a plate of food to one's neighbors whenever a large meal is made. The only catch is that one cannot return the plate empty.
Tajikistan: Islam & Identity
Lola discusses what being Muslim means to Tajik identity and what cultural and religious practices make one sufficiently Muslim without being considered what many in Tajikistan consider a “fanatic.”
Tajikistan: Violet Revolt
Vadim notes that a new opposition party has appeared in Tajikistan, threatening to overthrow the president in a popular revolt if he does not resign by the spring. Vadim says that this is quite unlikely to find much support among Tajikistan's citizenry.
Tajikistan: Blogosphere Roundup
Vadim takes readers on a tour of the Tajik blogosphere.
Tajikistan: Water Pollution
At neweurasia, Gulru writes about water pollution in Tajikistan, saying that there Tajik citizens can be part of the solution.
Tajikistan: Separatism Concerns
Tajikistan plans to give additional autonomy to the Gorno-Badakhshan region, the western part of the country which is mostly inhabited by Pamiris. Vadim says that concerns that this will encourage separatism are exaggerated.
Tajikistan: Seasonal Business
Andrea Dall'Olio reports on what one learns about market principles from shopping in Tajikistan's bazaars and the difficulties that Tajik companies trying to make and sell processed foods in the country.
Central Asia & Caucasus: Nonmarket Economies
Registan.net discovers a law proposed in the United States Congress that would slap all of Central Asia and the Caucasus except Kazakhstan with extra tariffs because they would be considered to be economies not functioning on market principles.
Central Asia: Microfinance
The Private Sector Development Blog reports on Central Asia's dynamic microfinance industry.
Central Asia & Caucasus: Press Freedom
neweurasia reports on recent developments related to press freedom in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
Tajikistan: Energy Crisis
neweurasia reports that Tajikistan's energy crisis has gotten worse as a hydroelectric station serving the Pamir region has just gone out of service.
Central Asia: Why It Matters
Joshua Foust argues that Central Asia should be given more attention by Western policymakers.
Central Asia: US Aid
Registan.net looks at the Bush administration's proposed budget for the 2008 fiscal year and says it shows the White House is dropping the ball on Central Asia.
Tajikistan: Toilet Training
Elizabeth explains toilet training in Tajikistan.
Tajikistan: Roundup
Vadim rounds up the Tajik blogosphere at neweurasia.
