Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan: What Serdar does in the shadows
Russian diplomacy and Turkmenistan's evolving foreign relations amidst president Berdimuhamedov’s growing influence. And more in this week's Eurasianet Akhal-Teke Bulletin.
EBRD projects slowdown in Central Europe, robust growth in Eurasia
High gas prices, China slowdown and shifts in industrial production contribute to slower growth in Central Europe.
PANNIER: How ‘C5+1’ set the stage for a new era in US-Central Asia relations
Focus shifts from security to energy security, renewable energy and transportation infrastructure, while there are no illusions about delivering democracy.
Samarkand declaration champions global food security amidst growing concerns
The International Conference on Food Security on 7-8 September is hosting agriculture ministers from 15 nations, deputy ministers from eight countries and senior diplomats from 13 nations.
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Francis Fukuyama says a weakened Russia will present opportunities for Central Asia
While in Almaty for a book launch, US political scientist suggests that if Moscow comes out of Ukraine war diminished, the ‘Stans’ will have room to set their own policies without worrying about the Russian response.
COMMENT: The water and energy nexus in Central Asia
Climate change is real, and it calls for action at the global, regional, and national levels. One of its impacts is additional water stress in addition to what many countries experience already. Effective counteraction requires joint action.
Turkmenistan: Union busting
Unfair soccer league, and potential and real gas deals aplenty, with Hungary, Iraq and Uzbekistan.
Turkmenistan signals major change in energy-export stance
Ashgabat’s shifting position opens the way for expansion of natural gas supplies to Europe.
Orban invites illiberal allies to Budapest on national holiday celebrating Hungary’s Western orientation
Unprecedented showcasing of power by Hungary’s strongman alongside World Athletics Championships.
Exports from the West to Central Asia boom as sanctions on Russia remake global trade routes
Extreme sanctions on Russia have dramatically remade global trade flows Russia turns to its friends to act as transit countries for banned goods. And most have cooperated, both because of pressure placed on them by Moscow and the money they can make.
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Central Asia: Low water levels on Irtysh River create quandary for Kazakhstan
An update on recent developments in Chinese-Russian-Central Asian affairs.
PANNIER: Taliban’s ‘thirsty’ Qosh Tepa Canal looming large for Central Asia neighbours
Presidents of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan gathered for unprecedented summit, with officials wary of Afghan militants’ unbending stance on water issues at the border.
Turkmenistan: Net loss
Internet blockages not about censorship but money, regional trade dialogue, and more in this week's Eurasianet Akhal-Teke Bulletin.
Turkmenistan Airlines halts flights to Moscow following drone attacks
Referring to “the situation” in the Russian capital’s airspace, carrier switches flights to Kazan.
Turkmenistan: Watched over by CCTVs of loving grace
Europe's elusive pipeline, Gulf investment, Korean lobbying and a new ghost town.
Central Asia: Trade with China registers strong growth during first half of 2023
Uzbek figures differ significantly from Beijing’s data.
PANNIER: Central Asia’s dream of taking the train to the Arabian Sea a step closer to reality
Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to railway’s route, but securing funding pledges for the multi-billion-dollar project remains a big problem.
Iran warns Islamic State leaders and fighters have moved to Afghanistan
Tehran, meanwhile, remains concerned for plight of Persian-speaking minority peoples of neighbouring country under Taliban.
PANNIER: Turkmenistan claims population jump but compelling evidence points to slump
Regime’s claim that first census in 17 years recorded 7mn people is not at all believable.
PANNIER: There is no graceful exit from office for Central Asian presidents – except for the grave
Until a Central Asian president does manage to leave office and peacefully retire, the cycle of lifelong leaders is likely to continue.