Stories about Turkmenistan from February, 2008
Turkmenistan: Either Gas or Human Rights
Maciula writes about the European Parliament’s rejection of the trade agreement with Turkmenistan, concluding that if the West wants to buy Turkmen gas then it cannot exert pressure on Ashgabat for improved human rights.
Turkmenistan: TV Appearance with Consequences
CXW reports that a cockroach’s five minutes of fame led to the sacking of 30 people from Turkmen State Television and raises questions about the future of TV in the country.
Turkmenistan: Flag Day
Maciula describes the celebration of the Turkmen Flag Day and quotes Shokhrat Kadyrov who claims that the flag of Turkmenistan reflects the symbols of the Teke tribe rather than the whole Turkmen nation.
Turkmenistan: UN Awards Turkmen President
Maciula criticizes the United Nations Organization for awarding President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov the order “For Outstanding Achievements in Information Science”.
Turkmenistan: American priorities with Ashgabat
Maciula opines on American policy towards Turkmenistan and compares the significance of this country for the US with that of other Eurasian states.
Turkmenistan: Petrol Prices, Market Economy and Corruption
Maciula writes about the introduction of market prices for petrol in Kazakhstan and analyses possible reasons and cosequences of this decision.
Turkmenistan: Coming Out of Turkmenbashi’s Shadow
Maciula writes about President Berdymukhammedov’s plans to built huge Constitution Monument in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, and suggests that his aim is to come out of Turkmenbashi’s shadow.
Turkmenistan: Turkmen Humanitarian Assistance
CXW takes a glance at Turkmenistan’s announcement that it is sending aid to Afghanistan – 1000 tons of wheat flour, 500 tons of diesel oil and 9000 tons of clothing for the people of Afghanistan to offer them some relief against the extraordinarily harsh and long winter.
Turkmenistan: Odd Regime Melting Down
CXW reflects on the news that President Berdymukhammedov recently lifted a 7-year ban on opera and theatre in Turkmenistan and what this means.
Turkmenistan: Students Abroad Fear to Tell the Truth
Maciula writes about problems with the Turkmen special services faced by Turkmen students abroad. The post also describes why they are afraid of telling the truth about human rights abuses in Turkmenistan and the political situation in their country.
