Turkmenistan is eager to gin up some good vibes as another year of shortages and economic stagnation draws to a close. But even when wares appear in the market, the problem is finding cash.
Will the new parliament be the same rubber stamp as the current one? Will it pave the way for the country’s vice president and first lady to take over?
Earlier this year, both sides appeared to be trying to turn down the temperature on their grievances against the other. But now the momentum seems to be going in the other direction.
The president visits Italy, a disappeared gay doctor reemerges with a suspicious denial, and officials say the cotton harvest was perfect. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan bulletin.