Russian defence minister 12 Sept visited Dushanbe, reportedly discussed increase in payments for military facilities. Senior defence official 17 Sept warned fighting between coalition forces, Taliban in Afghanistan may spill over into Tajikistan. Indian President Patil 8 Sept visited Tajikistan to discuss cooperation on energy, regional security. President Rakhmon appointed daughter as deputy FM.

Govt 4 Aug reported several insurgents arrested in eastern Tavil-Dara district, including 2 brothers of suspected local insurgent leader Nemat Azizoz, reportedly killed by security forces 29 July. 5 checkpoints subsequently removed and most security forces reportedly withdrawing, with govt claiming improved security situation following recent unrest. Govt 9 Aug reported member of banned Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) killed during operation outside Dushanbe. 5 members of banned Islamic group Jamoai Tabligh jailed 11 Aug; govt 31 Aug reported 4 Tajik Al-Qaeda members jailed for terrorism.

Police checkpoint in east reportedly attacked by group of armed men 9 July; some reports of link to large armed group, which crossed into Tajikistan from Afghanistan in June; also concerns that attackers might be Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan militants. Security forces claim to have killed 5 gunmen in Tavil-Dara district 16 July, plus insurgent leader 27 July. Govt 11 July reported former minister and leader of United Opposition forces during civil war Mirzo Ziyoev killed by armed group, allegedly during attempted negotiations on insurgent disarmament; opposition sources allege he was murdered by govt security. 2 bombs exploded near Dushanbe airport and downtown hotel 25, 26 July; no casualties reported; police car blown up 30 July in Dushanbe as Tajik, Afghan, Pakistan and Russian presidents met for security talks.

Military operation in East continued; govt claims operation fighting drug dealers, but contradicted by reports it is targeting Islamist rebels. Defence ministry 22 June announced military to be deployed near Afghan border in east. Economic situation worsening; following Tajik gas distributor’s failure to pay $17m debt by mid-June deadline, Uzbekistan cut gas supply by 50%, causing suspension of some industrial activity, partially resumed later in month. Former interior minister Solehov died during police attempt to detain him 18 June; officials claim suicide, family allege murder. Police arrested 11 suspected members of outlawed Hizb ut-Tahrir group 2 June.

Energy Charter Secretariat Head 9 May expressed hope for resolution of water, energy disputes with Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan 21 May cut gas supply to Tajikistan due to non- payment. 7 sentenced to jail for membership of illegal Hizb ut- Tahrir group and calling for govt overthrow. Interior ministry 20 May denied media reports that special operations against drug trafficking in East are targeting rebels from 1990s civil war. Month saw significant damage from heavy rain, landslides.

President Rahkmon 16 Apr warned parliament of threat of “political disorder”, promised elections for 2010. Audit mid-month revealed disappearance of $1bn from National Bank.  National  Bank  22 Apr  announced  IMF  approval  of $120m loan. During 2-day visit to Dushanbe, U.S. Asst Sec State Boucher 21 Apr announced imminent agreement for U.S. base in Tajikistan, allowing transport of non-military cargo to Afghanistan.

Electricity rationing reportedly eased early month following resumption of Uzbek, Turkmen supplies, however govt appeals for aid signal scale of difficulties imposed by financial crisis, energy shortages. Russia sending humanitarian deliveries; Asian Development Bank 20 March announced $40mn grant. U.S. 21 March announced $10mn assistance to improve security along Afghan border. Uzbekistan reportedly demanding full payment of $18mn debt before restoring gas exports from current 50% supply. Work on rail connection between Dushanbe and Afghan border officially launched 19 March. President Rakhmon signed new religious law 25 March, U.S. criticized as “restrictive”.

President Rakhmon 2 Feb appointed new interior minister, 1st top official not from Rakhmon’s Kulob region since 1991. Observers cited attempt to bolster national unity in face of hostile rhetoric from Russia, Uzbekistan. During late-Feb Moscow visit, Rakhmon reportedly discussing Russian aid, troop presence, hydroelectric investment. U.S. ambassador 6 Feb reported Rakhmon to offer airspace for non-military supplies to Afghanistan; 23 Feb noted Rakhmon “broadly supportive” of resupply shipments through Tajikistan– no agreement yet. Rakhmon in Brussels 9-11 Feb for talks on EU, NATO cooperation including Afghan supply routes. Talco aluminium plant reducing production due to energy crisis; electricity in capital down to 9hrs/day, some regions have none. 19 Feb agreement with Uzbekistan established closer economic ties, debt repayment schedule, water-sharing agreement. IMF 18 Feb offered $120m loan.

Sweeping govt changes, including heads of main energy providers dismissed live on television 15 Jan, plus commander of interior forces. Following 17 Jan Gen Petraeus visit (see Kazakhstan), govt to allow transit of commercial goods to U.S. facilities in Afghanistan. Worsening electricity shortages ahead of severe cold weather predictions; supply reduced late Jan to maximum of 2-3 hrs a day outside Dushanbe. Exacerbated by accident at power plant in north and suspension of electricity supply from Turkmenistan after failure to agree on rate for Uzbek transit of electricity; Tajikistan subsequently threatened to limit water supply to Uzbekistan. In possible sign that govt fears unrest, Interior Minister replaced 29 Jan. Supreme Court 8 Jan banned fundamentalist Salafi movement as danger to state security, prohibited distribution of Salafi materials.