Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from March, 2008
Kyrgyzstan: Rumors Around President
The Azamat Report says that Rumors about Kyrgyzstani president's death spread yesterday around Kyrgyzstan, becoming a #1 story on the Kyrgyz blogosphere. It is alleged also that he is undergoing medical treatment abroad, as he has not been in the country for nearly 4 weeks.
Kazakhstan: Stock Exchange As a Game
Lena B-va tells that a new educational game simulating Kazakhstani real stock exchange will go online in May-June this year.
Turkmenistan: Dealing in Turkey
Patrick Frost says that for the first time in seven years, Ankara hosted a Turkmen head of state, as President Berdymukhamedov visited the nation this March 24-25 with both economic and energy issues as the two main areas discussed.
Afghanistan: UK Judges to Learn Sharia?
Sanjar reports that recently the Anglican Church's Archbishop Dr. Rowan Williams expressed that there was nothing wrong with the British legal system adopting some laws from Islamic shari'a and implementing them for British citizens of the Islamic faith.
Afghanistan: Intermission in Afghanistan
Hadi1121 analyzes the current state of affairs in Afghanistan, noting that increase in violence and lawlessness is widespread anywhere outside Kabul and the credibility of the Afghan government has gone down dramatically.
Armenia: Peaceful Protest
Halfway down the Danube gives reasons for not attending last Friday’s demonstration held the day after the state of emergency was lifted in Yerevan. The post also looks at the use of the Internet in what some have called an attempt at a “colored revolution” in Armenia. However, the blog...
Armenia: Political Chess
Khirimian’s Thought comments on news reports that an opposition politician accuses the present and former authorities of dealing with demonstrations in the same manner. Earlier this month the government declared a state of emergency and used the military to enforce prohibitions on rallies by supporters of former president Levon Ter-Petrossian....
Kazkahstan: China’s Territorial Claims
Adam Kesher reviews posts from the Kazakh blogosphere about China’s rumoured territorial claims towards neighboring countries, including Kazakhstan.
Turkmenistan: Deadly Highway
Abdulgamid writes about deadly condition of the longest and busiest motorway in Turkmenistan, Ashgabat-Mary-Turkmenabat. The road was built a few decades ago, and currently it’s not complying with any minimum technical and safety standards.
Afghanistan: Why Grow Poppy
Joshua Foust analyzes approaches to the problem of opium production in Afghanistan, and says that addressing opium requires a vast, multi-dimensional approach, combining anti-corruption efforts, a massive influx of money, subsidization of food or other cash crops.
Armenia: Uprising Radio
Uprising Radio has a program on the recent election in Armenia, the protests that followed, and the state of emergency lifted last week. The guests on the radio station based in Los Angeles were Dr. Harry Sarafian and Harout Der-Tavitian from the Coalition for a Democratic Armenia.
Armenia: Open Letter
Unzipped posts an open letter from the wives, sisters and mothers of opposition activists currently detained or on the run from police.
Armenia: Terrorism Concerns
A new blog, khirimian's thought, responds to concerns expressed from some quarters that the radical opposition in Armenia might resort to more violent action unless their demands are met.
Armenia: Threat of Terrorism
Unzipped says he agrees with presidential candidate Arman Melikian that Armenia now faces the possibility of violent actions and terrorism by the radical opposition in light of the arrest of many of their leaders and the lack of dialogue with the government.
Kyrgyzstan: President's Missing
The Azamat Report reviews rumors that are circulating in the Kyrgyz society about president bakiev, who had left the country for Germany three weeks ago, allegedly for medical treatment.
Turkmenistan: The Country's Greatest Secret
Maciula reports on the announcement of the company chosen by President Berdymukhammedov to audit Turkmen gas reserves and wonders if the outcome of the audit will be made public.
Turkmenistan: Better times for businessmen
Maciula writes about the economic reforms announced recently designed to develop the private sector and boost foreign investment in Turkmenistan.
Uzbekistan: Islam in Fergana Valley
Libertad writes about Islamic trends in Fergana valley and new religious group emerged in Kokand city.
Kazakhstan: 6% of .kz Domain Works
KZBlog reports that according to a media outlet's research, there are 16 431 domains that end in .kz, but of those only around 1 000 are actually functioning. Many of the idle .kz domains were bought in the hopes of selling them.
Afghanistan: Russia-NATO Near Deal
Patrick Frost says that a deal is in the works between NATO and the Russian government for greater cooperation in Afghanistan. The looming deal would possibly allow NATO troops the use of Russian land and airspace, the possible leasing of Russian planes and trains, and Russian training for Afghan helicopter...
Afghanistan: Warlord as “Person of the Year”
Joshua Foust reports that Radio Free Afghanistan has named Gul Agha Sherzai, the governor of Nangarhar province, “Person of the Year” for advancing the cause of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and reconstruction, and criticizes this award for shallow insight.
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