Eurasianet

While clumsy on COVID-19, Turkmenistan is being more sure-footed, or consistent at least, on the Afghanistan front. Plus, unsustainable agriculture. Our weekly briefing.

The government signals it is taking COVID a bit more seriously, without admitting the virus is running rampant. And Ashgabat gets down to business with the Taliban. This and more in our weekly briefing.

That Central Asia's presidents seemed to enjoy themselves together was itself a breakthrough. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing.

Will Turkmenistan come to Kyrgyzstan’s rescue?

Cases are rising rapidly and vaccines – for those who want them – are hard to find.

The health minister then drank the concoction at a press conference.

The region appears wholly unprepared for the latest rise in cases.

Protesting artists chose the visit of their better-paid Russian colleagues to make their point.

It can take four days to get to the front of the line at this bitterly cold pass almost two miles high.

Spraying chlorine, new infrastructure on the Afghan border, and claims of a naturally occurring COVID vaccine. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan bulletin.

Surabaldiyeva says "several thousand" people may have died.

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan are taking triumphalist stances on coronavirus.

Medics say they are actively discouraged from seeking the compensation.

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

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