Eurasianet

As the president celebrates, the economic crisis deepened by a coronavirus outbreak he has refused to acknowledge has left his people in a state of Dickensian misery.

Electricity exports; crowd control outside food shops; and despite denials, COVID strikes. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing.

An unacknowledged second wave, secret police at funerals, and congratulations from the Taliban. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing.

Bishkek is also angling for yet more room to ease its debt burden.

Medics say they are actively discouraged from seeking the compensation.

Only the best medicine for the leader. For everyone else, bread shortages.

Travel bans, dams and Russian fans. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing.

Beijing does not appear disposed to give too much leeway.

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

The trade bloc's failure to stop contraband smuggling is connected to the high drama playing out in Kyrgyzstan.

In state media, Turkmenistan is a roaring success story. The data paint a more worrisome picture.

Acting President Japarov came to power on the crest of rallies, but will he know how to deal with them as leader?

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

Rigged elections have created political crises in two other post-Soviet countries this year, leaving Nur-Sultan edgy ahead of a parliamentary vote.

The president bets on a big infrastructure program to reinvigorate his political fortunes.