Eurasianet

The appearance of the self-defense units is the second time this year that civil society has been forced to hold the line. Where the state repeatedly fails to live up to its obligations, volunteers step in.

Chinese personnel, whose presence Dushanbe denies, forbid reporters from filming.

The government’s lack of capacity helps explain the about-face.

Government troops are rumored to have been dispatched to quell the trouble.

Supporters of the move think it will provide a useful outlet for the momentarily unemployed.