Global Voices Online

Joshua Foust notes the irony of forcing the Marine Corps into doing social work in southern Afghanistan.

Posted by Adil Nurmakov

Recent Links also in Central Asia & Caucasus »

Moscow Through Brown Eyes writes about the impact of the economic crisis on Russia's Central Asian migrant workers.

Herron Family News comments on the construction boom in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, but notes that the quality of work leaves much to be desired. Situated in an area of seismic activity, the blog wonders if such an issue can be used by the opposition in the country.

Writing from Azerbaijan, Herron Family News details various meetings that have been held as next week's presidential election draws closer. However, the blog notes, the outcome of the vote is predictable. With the main opposition parties boycotting the election, the incumbent president will be re-elected. The only unanswered question is whether voters will actually bother to go to the polls.