Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from December, 2007
Caucasus: 2007 Blog Review
With 2008 less than a day away at time of writing, it seems only appropriate to take a look back at the blogging highlights in the Caucasus for 2007. Certainly, although blogging is still largely underdeveloped, the year has seen some major highlights, especially with regards to stories that also...
Armenia: Traffic Rules
With traffic congestion now adding to the insanity that is usually driving in Armenia, Raffi K at Life in Armenia offers his readers some tongue-in-cheek rules for motorists. Ironically, they are pretty much right on the mark.
Tajikistan: Reactions on the Bhutto Death
Vadim reports that the assassination of Benazir Bhutto was accepted in Tajikistan as a great sorrow.
Afghanistan: Harsh Winter Predicted
Nasim Fekratْ reports that Mullah Omar, the leader of Taliban, disseminated a message to the international forces in Afghanistan saying they should expect more attacks on them by Taliban in winter.
Kazakhstan: President Eyes Oilfield Dispute's Resolution
Steve LeVine opines that Kazakhstan's president Nazarbayev seems to have signaled an end to the Kashagan dispute by calling together the oil companies for a meeting with him next month.
Afghanistan: From Bhutto to Christmas, Child Marriage to the Plight of Women
Joshua Foust briefly considers the murder of Benazir Bhutto, then looks at what else is affecting the country—notably, the growing problem of child sexual exploitation.
Georgia: Election Polls
Comparing the situation with Armenia and Azerbaijan, Christine Quirk at Asking Tough Questions in Tough Places comments on the value that opinion polls might have during elections in the South Caucasus. The former head of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Azerbaijan turned political analyst says such polls serve a...
Georgia: Voter Lists
TOL Georgia says that in just four years the electorate has apparently grown by 2 million people even despite negative population growth. The blog says that in advance of the January presidential election, serious concerns should be raised about the voters list.
Kazakhstan: Faster Internet
Arseny reports on the prospected new requirements for ISPs in Kazakhstan and opines on the possible changes in their tariffs.
Armenia: Come on-a My House for New Year
Armenian Food reminds its readers of the 1951 hit by Rosemary Clooney, aunt of actor George Clooney, Come On-a My House. Written by two ethnic Armenians, one of which was American-Armenian writer William Saroyan, the blog says the song typifies the lavish tables that will be center stage for Armenian...
Kyrgyzstan: Election Results Still Unknown
The Azamat Report says that 10 days after the election day nobody has seen the results. The Central Election Commission has not published the official results of the parliamentary vote in Kyrgyzstan, although it already distributed all the seats.
Tajikistan: Fire at the Medical University
Vadim reports that — due a metal fence — firefighters could not put out the fire that has ruined the major medical university in Tajikistan.
Kazakhstan: Dualities in Kashagan Oilfield Dispute
Bboyd reacts on the new article by John Daly about duality of Caspian oil negotiations, currently focused on the Kazakhstan's supergiant Kashagan oilfield.
Afghanistan: Osama wants EU to stop helping the U.S.
Sanjar reports on the news article, which says that Al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden called on Europeans to stop helping the United States in the war in Afghanistan.
Armenia: Corrupt Politics
Martuni or Bust reminds it readers that the former judge now turned radical opposition activist as the February 2008 presidential election in Armenia draws closer has a few skeletons in his own closet. In particular, the blog quotes an interview conducted with this author on concerns that the judge in...
Tajikistan: Students not allowed to drive cars
Vadim's post is about the Tajikistan president's order to strictly punish – right up to expulsion from the schools – students that are driving cars in the country.
Kazakhstan: Dangerous Places
Marat posts some analysis on where it is more dangerous to live in our country in the cities or in the rural areas of Kazakhstan.
Afghanistan: Tribal Law
Mohammad Fahim Khairy reports on a shocking case — resident of Paktia province of southern Afghanistan shaved his wife’s head, cut it her nose and ears by a knife and burn her down with boiled water in the first day of Eid.
Georgia: Shakira in Tbilisi
After finding myself without the Internet at home for three days, I feel gutted that I missed out on Shakira's free concert two days ago in Tbilisi, Georgia. Writing on my Oneworld Multimedia blog, had I known I would have considered visiting Armenia's neighbor to the north for the concert.
Georgia: Opinion Polls
With the presidential election in Georgia two weeks away, Social Science in the Caucasus, looks at the reliability of opinion polls in the country. The blog says that opinion polls from every side are confusing the electorate and there is an urgent need for transparency.
Georgia: Sycophantic Poetry
Writing on his blog, This is Tbilisi Calling, the BBC's Matthew Collin recounts following Georgian president's motorcade around the country as part of his campaign for re-election in January's vote. The journalist and blogger reproduces a poem written especially for Mikhail Saakashvili by one elderly voter discovered en route.
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