Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from October, 2009
Azerbaijan: Blogger trial dilemma
Following yet another postponement in the trial of detained video blogging youth activists Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli, In Mutatione Fortitudo offers its opinion on the case so far. The blog says the authorities in Azerbaijan face a dilemma. If the two detainees are imprisoned it will result in significant...
Russia-Georgia: Tagliavini report reviewed
Greater Surbiton discusses the recent EU-report by the Tagliavini Commission on the 2008 Russo-Georgian war, and argues that it – with few exceptions – mostly sides with the Georgians.
Azerbaijan: Video blogger trial postponed… again (updated)
In what many consider to be a politically motivated trial to stifle dissent in Azerbaijan, video blogging youth activists Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli once again appeared in court in Baku today.
Azerbaijan: Hope
Writing on Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines on the eve of their next court hearing, Arzu Geybullayeva says she still hopes that detained video bloggers Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli will be released. She also says that the two online youth activists are an example to others and believes that...
Kyrgyzstan: New Prime Minister Discussed by Internet Users
One of Kyrgyzstan’s wealthiest men, the prominent government official Daniyar Usenov, was appointed the republic’s Prime Minister. President Kurmanbek Bakiev has already signed the appropriate orders. Daniyar Toktogulovich was among a list of possible candidates. Possible, but, to be honest, undesirable. At least, this is what the overwhelming majority of...
Uzbekistan: Oppositionist returns from exile
Musafirbek writes that leader of the Birdamlik movement in exile, Bakhodir Choriyev, is returning to Uzbekistan.
Kyrgyzstan: Administrative reform
Aravanski reports that the Kyrgyzstan President announced extensive reforms in public administration system, including a massive reduction of the number of officials.
Kazakhstan: Atomic Lake
Michael Forster Rothbart offers a photo-essay about the Semipalatinsk Polygon in Kazakhstan, where the Soviet Union was testing its nuclear bombs.
Turkmenistan: Trafficking in human beings
Annasoltan writes about the problem of human trafficking in Turkmenistan against the background of persistent economic hardship, porous borders and the regime's attempts to demur and defer the issue.
Afghanistan: Who will benefit from re-vote?
Nick Fielding assumes that no-one except the insurgents would benefit from the re-run of presidential elections, because the whole election process is now mired by corruption allegations.
Turkmenistan: Government Puts Obstacles to Peace Corp
Vlad reports that Turkmenistan has taken to barring entry to Peace Corps volunteers, for reasons that remain utterly baffling.
Mongolia: Luxury Brand Explosion
Bilguun reports that after this year's coming of Louis Vuitton to Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia, next year is scheduled for opening of even more luxury brand stores, although they all will be competing for “the same 300 or so customers who can afford their products”.
Kazakhstan: Boxing Scandal To Be Decided in Rematch
KZBlog reports that a boxer from Kazakhstan, widely viewed as a future world champion, will meet again with his opponent after appealing against the last year's match result.
Tajikistan: Militants in the Valley
Michael Hancock reviews the recent story about a shootout in the Tajikistan's part of the Fergana Valley.
Kazakhstan: economic paradoxes, sexism and the decline of science
Kazakhstan’s bloggers continue to discuss topics of social relevance Last week, online discussions touched on various subjects. The blogger Lord-Fame was visited by tax authorities, who found his company to have an insufficient number of employees, below the “industry average” [ru] What moron came up with this rule? How stupid...
Armenia: Twitter counters false media report
After a news item in the local press reported that a British MP had been appointed as rapporteur on Armenia and Turkey, Unzipped says that it used Twitter to check the accuracy of the story. Tweeting a question to the MP in question, it turned out that the report was...
Azerbaijan: Musings & Poetry
With the number of English-language blogs from Azerbaijan increasing, Emotions on Air, Mind Mute sets a precedent for musings and poetry. Often dark and melancholic, the blog shows that new media can also be a medium for other forms of self-expression.
Georgia: New Media Forum assessed, bloggers interviewed
Following the recent New Media Forum, an event staged in Tbilisi, Georgia, comes coverage in the local press. Although lagging behind its neighbors in the South Caucasus, interest in the online world is increasing and there are signs that new media will develop considerably in 2010.
Russia: Stalin's Grandson vs Novaya Gazeta
Foreign Policy's Passport reports on a lawsuit brought against Novaya Gazeta by Josef Stalin's grandson, Yevgeny Dzhugashvili.
Russia, Ukraine: A Georgian Politician's View
Window on Eurasia highlights a Georgian politician's view on the relations between Russia and Ukraine.
Armenia: Oligarch's staff allegedly implicated in animal cruelty scandal
Facebook users today posted links to a video shot at what is alleged to be the private zoo of a local oligarch and MP. No stranger to controversy, the latest scandal reportedly linked to members of his entourage saw the light of day via Twitter.
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