Eurasianet

Ecological conservation is a matter of pride in Turkmenistan. But a disconnect between rhetoric and reality is a hallmark of the Berdymukhamedov era.

A facile and naïve plan being discussed in Washington risks backfiring on Iran’s minority Christians.

This week in our Turkmenistan bulletin: Ashgabat and Moscow suddenly ratify an aged security agreement. Plus budgets, boasts and bribes.

The country's largest oil refinery is no stranger to scandals.

Some are speaking out against the conflict despite fears the government’s strong support for Azerbaijan could fuel nationalist reprisals.

While it would be wrong to start pointing fingers and formulating conspiracy theories, clearly the risks are many and real.

After rewarding himself with a more pliant constitution, the president held a massive military parade. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing.

Chinese personnel, whose presence Dushanbe denies, forbid reporters from filming.

The government’s lack of capacity helps explain the about-face.

Government troops are rumored to have been dispatched to quell the trouble.

Instead of being transparent about the economic crisis, the president is, in the manner of an unaccountable manager incapable of long-term planning, trying to do the same with less.