A new essay contest asks schoolchildren to write about the “heroic life and deeds of the Leader of the Nation.”

Don’t hold your breath waiting for democratic transitions in Central Asia.

By externalizing Dushanbe’s problems, Rahmon is avoiding domestic responsibility.

Human rights advocates and opposition figures tell a dark story of descent into crisis.

Just in case it wasn’t clear, Emomali Rahmon is likely to be named the Leader of the Nation.

The region’s leaders have been playing up the ISIS threat. How real is it?

Meanwhile, at the UN Rahmon preaches “mutual trust, and tolerance.”

The ISIS obsession of President Emomali Rahmon could lead to further turmoil.

A multitude of theories have emerged, but experts say Dushanbe’s troubles are home-grown.

Why the closure of seven charter schools in Tajikistan has regional implications.

A key Tajik figure announces his allegiance to the Islamic State, with some significant potential ramifications.

The state anticorruption agency, which is headed by the president's son, recently arrested a presidential personnel adviser.

Despite the recent assassination of its founder and leader, Group24 claims it has growing momentum.

Islam in Tajikistan is under comprehensive pressure, from fashion to politics.

Central Asia remains difficult terrain for democracy, and prospects seem bleaker than ever.

An air route reopens amid border clashes and geopolitical tensions.