Stories about Turkmenistan from July, 2013
Turkmenistan's Internet Blues
Cyber-optimism is is in short supply in repressive Turkmenistan, and it is not difficult to see why.
Turkmens Appalled, J Lo Performs for Their President's Grand Birthday
Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov got a fine 56th birthday present at the end of last month in the form of a concert starring Jennifer Lopez held at Turkmenistan's $2 billion state palace. But many ordinary Turkmens registered disgust at the display of opulence in a country where the average salary hovers around $200 per month.
‘Celebrities for Hire’ in Central Asia
On Registan.net, Aijan Sharshenova explains why ‘celebrities for hire’ (including pop diva Jennifer Lopez) entertaining the authoritarian leaders of post-Soviet Central Asian republics unwillingly improve their image among domestic audiences.
