Turkmenistan

Are Islamic Militants Regrouping in the Fergana Valley?

Violent incidents in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan seem to be symptoms of instability rather than a new wave of organised Islamic militancy.

Political Manouevring Begins

End of an Era

Officials convene emergency meeting to manage what may be a difficult transition.

Uncertain Future for Post-Niazov Turkmenistan

Avian Flu Restrictions Still in Place

Long after the bird flu scare faded away elsewhere, Turkmenistan is still enforcing a rigid ban on selling poultry.

Turkmenistan's Unwanted Newspapers

The only way to get people in Turkmenistan to take out a subscription to one of the country’s stiflingly dull government newspapers and magazines is to threaten them with dismissal.

Gas Find Comes at Human Cost

In their haste to confirm the discovery of a massive gas deposit, Turkmen government officials may have contributed to an accident that left two workers and ten others in hospital with burns. Although the blast occurred in early November, news of the casu

Turkey a Magnet for Migrant Workers

High unemployment in Turkmenistan is forcing thousands of people to work as illegal migrants in Turkey.

Turkmen Army Unfit for Service

Army recruiters in Turkmenistan will take anyone, no matter how unfit, to fill the ranks of an army whose main job is to provide a free labour force. IWPR has learned that the military is even calling up people with disabilities in its desperate attempt t

Teachers Face Unusual Exam

A new government initiative in Turkmenistan appears designed to cut teachers’ salaries by setting them standards which many will fail to meet.