21.05.2023

EurasiaNet

Xi offers a helping hand in developing Central Asian political parties.

An official photo of the China-Central Asia summit pretty much tells the whole story. Chinese leader Xi Jinping is seen sitting at a massive circular table in a cavernous hall in the historic city of Xian, surrounded by the leaders of the five Central Asian states. Though together, they are not particularly close.

Little of substance was achieved during the May18-19 meeting. The chief outcome was a rehash of hopeful rhetoric about strengthening economic relations. “This summit has added new impetus to the development and revitalization of the six counties, and injected strong… >> подробнее

14.05.2023

Akhal-Teke

Loyalty to Moscow, U.S. umbrage at Iran's arms supplies, coronation and soccer.

Turkmenistan kept it under wraps until the last possible moment, but in the end, President Serdar Berdymukhamedov did acquiesce to attending Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9.

Accepting such invitations from Vladimir Putin carries a particular charge these days now that the Russian leader is no run-of-the-mill global pariah. Since March, Putin has been the object of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.

Willingness to be seen in public with Putin indicates at least some degree of solidarity with a figure whose actions have caused… >> подробнее

30.04.2023

Tal Schneider

A visit to Turkmenistan reveals the limits of Israeli diplomacy

Deserted but pristine streets show the power of a repressive authoritarian regime, whose vaunted neutrality may prove an obstacle to Israeli security aims.

A few days ago I returned from a rare visit to Turkmenistan — an isolated and anachronistic country, and one of the most cut-off in the world, even compared to other dictatorships.

Turkmenistan has maintained diplomatic ties with Israel since 1991, and the purpose of the visit was to formalize the relationship and open a new embassy in the capital Ashgabat, whereupon, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said, it would be possible to “open the embassy window and see Iran.”

He was half-correct. It is true that the embassy is only about 17 kilometers (10 miles) from the border, and from… >> подробнее