Turkmenistan is an inveterate foe of open internet. And it has reportedly made lavish investments in ensuring that its people cannot freely access which websites they want.
The president regularly casts blame for Turkmenistan’s troubles on his cabinet of lickspittle loyalists. Public arrests like this week's, however, are rare.
The inaugural Caspian Economic Forum, which was held in the hyper-developed but under-visited Awaza tourist zone, was high on expressions of intent but low on firm outcomes.
Turkmenistan’s legislation factory, hosting an international shindig, and worrying news for farmers. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan bulletin.
The mere speculation of the president’s death has arguably generated more attention for Turkmenistan than any sports event or international conference ever did.
While the president was busy playing soldier, all his regional peers, as well heads of state from China, Russia and Iran, were mustering in the capital of Tajikistan.
