By Konstantin Parshin, Music Editor Radio NIC (3/1/2000 issue of the CACI Analyst)

In 1995, two Tajik journalists, Andrey Sidorin and Konstantin Parshin, decided to create a private radio company despite the fact that private electronic media activity was prohibited in Tajikistan until 1998. None of the local business companies were eager to help as the country was struggling through post-war conditions. A grant applications was submitted to the Regional Office of UNESCO, Almaty, Kazakhstan which rendered assistance to this first alternative radio company in Tajikistan.

By Jason Thomson is the Baku-based Assistant Project Manager of the joint UN Project on the Prevention (3/15/2000 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Health indicators in Azerbaijan have deteriorated during the 1990s, reflecting the economic hardship, widespread unemployment, environmental pollution, military conflict and population displacement in the country. Low incomes and high costs for preventive medical care have resulted in many people utilizing health services only when in dire need. While an immunization campaign has reduced the prevalence of some diseases, the health of the population remains compromised by unsanitary housing conditions, inadequate nutrition and increased formal and informal charges for health care services.

By Beatrice Hogan, contributor, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Weekday Magazine and the United (3/15/2000 issue of the CACI Analyst)

On International Women’s Day, March 8, the first-ever West Asian Women’s Conference called called "Beyond My Veil and Yours," took place in New York City. The conference sought to change entrenched stereotypes of Islamic women, and gave attendees a reality check about the real-life women who live behind Islamic veils and beyond the wall of cultural ignorance. The event was held at the Limelight, a throbbing nightclub five days of the week that doubles as a reception hall and art gallery.