After weeks of rumors that the president had died, state television packed its evening news with evidence that the president is not just alive, but positively brimming with energy.
After being weakened by massive protests, Georgia’s ruling party has regained its footing and has taken several steps to neutralize government critics.
Georgia said the plan would be illegal, while Abkhazian authorities tried to pre-empt criticism that it would deepen the territory’s dependence on Russia.
The mere speculation of the president’s death has arguably generated more attention for Turkmenistan than any sports event or international conference ever did.
A European court ruling opened the door for a government-friendly owner to take control of the country’s top opposition outlet, the management of which has vowed to fight.