Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from October, 2008
Azerbaijan: Bullying and Violence in the Army
Unzipped posts a video from YouTube allegedly showing new conscripts in the Azerbaijani army being beaten and kicked by other soldiers. The blog warns the Armenian army that videos of similar scenes might also be uploaded and disseminated online unless steps are taken to stop similar violence against conscripts.
Georgia: Journalist's Blog
Following in the footsteps of Matthew Collin's This is Tbilisi Calling, another Western journalist resident in the country has set up a blog from Georgia. Dan Catchpole's Dateline Tbilisi is at http://datelinetbilisi.blogspot.com.
Russia: Remembering Anna Politkovskaya
Oct. 7 marks two years since the assassination of journalist Anna Politkovskaya. No one has been jailed so far, but three men are expected to go to trial soon for their suspected involvement in the crime. Below is a selection of today's commemorative posts from the Russophone blogosphere.
Afghanistan: Peace, and Trash
Joshua Foust notes the goings on in the Afghanistan blogosphere: ruminations on trash, reconciliation, and, of course, the messy problems posed by the Taliban. That is, if you can define "Taliban."
Afghanistan: A reason the LA Times is terrible
Joshua Foust notes just how terrible American media coverage of Afghanistan can be.
Armenia: Secular State?
Unzipped comments on an idea from a parliamentary deputy to build a church to bring the Armenian Apostolic Church closer to the country's legislature. Mentioning the situation in neighboring Georgia, where concerns have already been raised about the involvement of the church in local politics, the blog says that such...
Tajikistan: Dissident Flees Russia
In 2003, Georgia had its Rose Revolution. In 2004, Ukraine had its Orange Revolution. And in 2005 Kyrgyzstan had its Tulip Revolution.
Uzbekistan: Cotton Harvest
Michael Hancock reports that Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, will soon play host once again to the 4th International Uzbek Cotton Fair amidst continuing accusations of the child-labor issue.
Afghanistan: Policewoman executed by Taliban
Azar Balkhi reports that Taliban militants have shot dead high rank female police officer in the volatile southern Afghanistan province of Kandahar.
Afghanistan: UN Security Council Report
SunLeaf writes that the newly released UN Security Council report on Afghanistan is highlighting a number of issues including the extension of the ISAF mission and concerns over the issue of civilian casualties.
Afghanistan: Secret dealings with the Taliban
Strategist says that the Afghan government, Western military forces and Taliban senior leaders have been holding secret peace negotiations.
Azerbaijan: Post-Election Scenario
Azerbaijan’s Presidential Election speculates on the possible aftermath of the 15 October vote in the country. The blog says that although previous elections have been accompanied by unrest and violence, a boycott by Azerbaijan's main opposition parties make that unlikely this time around. Letters in Bottles agrees, and says that...
Georgia: Economic Cost of War
Social Science in the Caucasus posts the comments of a consultant which questions newspaper reports estimating the economic costs of the war with Russia. However, the blog notes, the country will undoubtedly suffer in terms of investor confidence.
Georgia: Russian Boycott
Despite believing war with Russia was a huge mistake, Dv0rsky [GE/EN] says that he will still boycott Russian goods sold in Georgia in order not to invest in bombs that might be used against him later.
Azerbaijan: OSCE/ODIHR Presidential Election Observer Blog
The Continuing Adventures of Super Steve is on its way to Azerbaijan to observe the 15 October presidential election in the country. The blog provides its readers with information on Azerbaijan and how the OSCE/ODIHR international election observation mission works.
Armenia: Intrigues and Scandal
Unzipped comments on the latest intrigues and recent scandal to hit Armenia. They include allegations from a senior member of Armenian Public TV that the bodyguards of a prominent government parliamentarian were responsible for an attack on a cafe which left one dead, and speculation that a regional energy project...
Azerbaijan: Presidential Election Concerns
Following disputed presidential elections in Georgia and Armenia earlier this year, as well as state of emergencies declared in Tbilisi and Yerevan, all eyes are now on Azerbaijan as it prepares to go to the polls. Few expect anything but a second term in office for the incumbent, Ilham Aliyev,...
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