Naz Nazar

Central Asia: What's Being Done About AIDS? (Part 4)

While some progress has been made in Central Asia's battle against AIDS in recent years, there have been numerous challenges along the way. In the last of a four-part series about AIDS in Central Asia, RFE/RL looks at what regional governments, charities, NGOs, health-care workers, and religious groups are doing to combat the problem.

East: Drug-Resistant TB On The Rise In Former Soviet Union

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that cases of multiple-drug-resistant tuberculosis in many parts of the world are rising at an alarming rate. Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are among the top 10 countries where this is taking place. RFE/RL spoke to the WHO's assistant director general for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria, Dr. Jack Chow, about what can be done to stop the problem.

Afghanistan: UN Says Opium Production Presents 'Clear And Present Danger' To Country's Future

A survey released today by the United Nation's Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says Afghanistan is in danger of becoming what it calls a "narco-state," as opium cultivation in the country has increased by 64 percent compared to 2003. Announcing the findings during a press briefing in Brussels, UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa said Afghanistan now accounts for 87 percent of the world's supply of opium, the basic ingredient in heroin. He called opium production a "clear and present danger" to Afghanistan, saying it could ultimately destroy "everything" -- democracy, reconstruction, and stability.

Turkmenistan: U.S. Official Discusses Trans-Caspian Pipeline

Turkmenistan: For Women, Mostly Traditional And Difficult Lives

Turkmenistan: OSCE Human Rights Officer Expresses Slight Optimism

Turkmenistan: An Analysis Of Corruption

Uzbekistan: Human Rights Activist Released

Afghanistan: President Asks For Turkey's Support

Turkmenistan: Social Tragedy With Political Implications

Turkmenistan: IMF Sees Progress Toward Market Economy