Turkmenistan

Turkmen President Reiterates Multiparty-System Idea

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has urged parliament deputies to accelerate their work on a bill that would allow the establishment of other political parties.

Tunisia's Popular Uprising Sends Ripples Across Eurasia

When longtime Tunisian ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was overthrown by a popular uprising last week, there were swift predictions that the event could set an example for other countries known for their autocratic rulers across Central Asia, Azerbaijan, and Iran.

EU Pursues Turkmen Gas

European Union leaders are visiting Turkmenistan to continue the EU's pursuit of natural gas supplies.

Report Says Decline In Freedom Continues Across Former Soviet Union

The latest "Freedom in The World" report by the U.S.-based rights watchdog Freedom House indicates that authoritarian regimes across a broad geographical range are stepping up their suppression of freedom.

Beijing's Stealthy Expansion In Central Asia

Among the great powers vying for influence in post-Soviet Central Asia, contributor Cholpon Orozobekova says China has been the quietest, most systematic, and most dangerous.

Iran, Central Asia Leaders In Istanbul

The Turkish city of Istanbul is hosting a summit bringing together leaders from Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.

Turkmenistan Loses Mobile Coverage

Most of Turkmenistan is without cell-phone service after officials suspended the license of MTS-Turkmenistan, the country's largest mobile-phone-service provider. There's been no explanation for the suspension, which the Russian company said could last for a month.

Afghan Insurgents 'Back Gas Pipeline'

Hezb-i Islami, an insurgent force led by former Afghan Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, was said to have announced its full backing for the so-called TAPI project on December 18 and volunteered to help protect it.

Don't Believe Everything You Hear About Turkmenistan

The Deep Roots Of Nepotism In Central Asia

Nepotism became a great danger for Kyrgyzstan, menacing its very integrity. And it's not alone in the region.

TAPI Pipeline Signed, Sealed -- Not Yet Delivered

An agreement on the Turkmen-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India natural gas pipeline has been reached after 15 years of negotiations. But the project most overcome a number of obstacles, including financing and a proposed route that would take the pipeline through some of the most hotly contested territory in the world.