Latest posts by Adil Nurmakov from March, 2008
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.
Kazakhstan: Oddities of the Digital Present
In the most recent counple of weeks the Kazakhstani blogosphere – usually heavily politicized – was focused more on the developments in telecoms sector and Internet-related novelties in Kazakhstan. The country's authorities are still aiming to enter top 50 of the most competitive countries, although the Economist's index of “e-readiness”...
Kazakhstan: Opposition Starts Drive for Signatures Campaign
Lena B-Va reports on the Kazakhstan's major opposition party’s call for drive for signatues campaign in support of its suggeted measures to combat poverty and promote democracy.
Kazakhstan: Allco Avoided Kazakhstan
KZBlog reports that Allco, an Australian bank that had planned to invest in Kazakhstan, shortly after the Parliament elections pulled out saying it was “too risky”.
Afghanistan: NATO Launches Psychological Operation Unit
Sanjar says that amidst increasing public criticism that NATO and its member states have faced lately in Afghanistan, a credible source within NATO contingent has confirmed creation of the Psychological Operation Unit, which is the military version of Public Relations.
Kyrgyzstan: Youth Is Flashmobbing in Protest
Azamat offers a photo-report on the flash-mob organized by youth activists against the Kyrgyz government. They put on masks of sheep and one of them put a mask of a bull and wore boxing gloves, representing the ruling party and the president of Kyrgyzstan.
Kazakhstan: Turkish Saga Continued
Zhanna Zhukova reports on unexpected continuation of the story around the attack on Turkish construction company’s workers in Almaty, as Turkish side accuses the Kazakh president’s relatives of raider attack and illegal pressure.
Tajikistan: Opposition Rallies in the Southern City
Vadim reports that another rally in Khorog to be organized by Social Democratic Party of Tajikistan, demanding restrictiion of the president's power and fight against corruption.
Kyrgyzstan: Alternative Trials Indicate General Disappointment
The Azamat Report writes that the people of Aksy (southern Kyrgyzstan) are holding alternative court trials in relation to the killing of 6 people during the demonstration on March 17, 2002, when the police opened fire at unarmed demonstrators. This worrying tendency shows that people are losing trust in everything...
Kazakhstan: South Korean Kookmin Buys Kazakh Bank
Adam Kesher reports that one of the major Kazakh banks is to be acquired by South Korea’s largest private bank. This is a third such deal in Kazakhstan, by which local banks hope for additional liquidity and foreign banks eye future dividends.
Tajikistan: Public Discontent Comes to Protests
Vadim reports that people in the eastern part of Tajikistan have taken to the streets in protest against arbitrariness of the law enforcement authorities.
Kyrgyzstan: Maternal Leaves Extended
GenderStan reports that the Kygyzstani parliament has extended maternal leaves to three years, and notes that from the woman’s point of view, it can turn into an employment issue, as employers are not generally happy about hiring young women because of the pregnancy risk.
Afghanistan: “The Afghan Star” Fever
Hadi1121 reports that Afghanistan now suffers from a new kind of fever, “The Afghan Star” fever. This is an “American Idol” type show run by Tolo Television, where contestants sing and mobile phone owners vote them to the top.
Kyrgyzstan: Ban on alcohol and tobacco advertising
Ayan Dane writes that the Kyrgyz Parliament is initiating a law to ban alcohol and tobacco advertising, although the prospects of this draft law are uncertain as some deputies have business connected with selling alcohol and tobacco.
Turkmenistan: A Central Asian Gas Ultimatum
Maciula reports on the ultimatum given to Gazprom – and therefore to the Western consumers – by Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and wonders about its impact on the Central Asian geopolitical situation.
Kazakhstan: Shadow Puppet Master Comes Up as Billionaire
Sean R. Roberts reports that the Forbes’ list of billionaires has added another Kazakhstan name to its list – Bulat Utemuratov– bringing the country’s “official” members in the elite billionaire club to 8.
Afghanistan: Why Can’t The Taliban Be Defeated?
Mohammad opines on the hard issue why can’t the Taliban militant be finally defeated after they withdrew from 95% of Afghanistan in 24 hours, but nobody still can pull them out from Helmand province in six years.