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.
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.
The mere speculation of the president’s death has arguably generated more attention for Turkmenistan than any sports event or international conference ever did.