Of the five Central Asian states, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are arguable the most entwined with one another, culturally and economically. Yet despite – or perhaps because of – their proximity, they have consistently had the worst of relationships.
The emergence of the independent Republic of Tajikistan (Jumhurii Tojikiston) was one of the most painful state building attempts in post-Soviet history. Since 1990, this country has experienced a rise in political activism, freedom of speech, sharp political debates, collapse of state institutions, civic disorder, civil war, an internationally led peace process, return of exiled opposition and their militias, and redistribution of power. As of 2010, Tajikistan continues its gradual shift from the fragile, postwar recovery period towards a more stable, Continue reading
Introduction: from war to politics
Catherine Barnes and Kamoludin Abdullaev (March 2001)
In comparison with many of the ‘internal’ wars of the late twentieth century, the inter-Tajik conflict is notable both for its rapid escalation to war in 1992 and for its relatively quick conclusion through a negotiated settlement reached in June 1997. This issue of Accord documents these events, provides insight into the main parties to the conflict, describes the official aiq informal initiatives that comprised Continue reading
