RFE/RL Central Asia Report
2/13/2012 8:42:53 PM
A review of RFE/RL reporting and analysis about the five countries of Central Asia.
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Yo! Turkmen Rappers Flip The Script On Repression
For a growing number of Turkmen youth, rap music has become a way to express their daily struggles and inspire political change in one of the world's most oppressive countries. More 
Jailed Kazakh Opposition Leader's 'Rights Violated'
The wife of the jailed chairman of Kazakhstan's unregistered opposition Algha (Forward) party says her husband's rights as a prisoner are being violated. More 
Turkmenistan's Personality Cult 2.0
Turkmen Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov appears to be building a personality cult to match that of his eccentric predecessor. More 
Casino Employees Protest In Bishkek
Some 200 former casino employees have protested in front of the Kyrgyz government building in Bishkek, demanding jobs and compensation. More 
Turkmen President Landslide Reelection
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has won a new five-year term in office following a landslide election victory. More A transport helicopter has crashed in southern Afghanistan, killing all four people on board. More 
Primer: Turkmenistan's Presidential Election
Turkmenistan is holding a presidential election on February 12. What do inquiring minds need to know? More 
Turkmen-Kazakh Border Closed
Turkmen authorities have closed the Turkmen-Kazakh border, citing the presidential elections due to be held in Turkmenistan on February 12. More 
Keeping Up With The Berdymukhammedovs
Reports say a police unit in Turkmenistan this week was named after the father of President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov. State-run media reportedly describe it as a gesture to honor Myalikguly Berdymukhammedov's years of service to Turkmenistan's Interior Ministry and "his efforts in educating the younger generation." More 
Kyrgyz PM 'Ready To Resign' Over Coal
Kyrgyz Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov has announced in parliament that he is ready to resign if his alleged involvement in the purchase of almost 9,000 tons of radioactive coal from neighboring Kazakhstan is proven. More 
Tajik Ode To Putin Goes Viral
Vladimir Putin appears to have an unlikely supporter in his camp ahead of Russia's presidential election, but some wonder if a song lauding the current prime minister's accomplishments is genuine and, even if it is, whether it will have the desired effect. More |
