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TURKMENISTAN’S WAY FROM THE ‘LIGHT OF COMMUNISM’ TO
‘RENAISSANCE’
In its security policy, Turkmenistan, a former Soviet republic that gained
independence in 1991, has opted for permanent neutrality status, recognised by
the United Nations. Both under Saparmurat Niyazov, who ruled Turkmenistan
from independence until 2006, and under his successor, the current president,
Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the country has lacked fundamental freedoms
and seen massive violations of human rights. Turkmenistan has not undergone
any significant political changes. A personality cult of the president and a state
ideology permeate all aspects of society.
The authorities control all mass media and limit access to the Internet. The only
Internet service provider is the government-controlled Turkmentelekom. The
country lacks an independent press. All newspapers, magazines, and television
and radio stations are state-owned and the founder of all media is the president.
Consequently, there is no significant public debate on policy.
Despite its richness in natural resources such as oil and gas – Turkmenistan ranks
fourth in the world in natural gas reserves – the country’s economic situation is
dire. The average salary is 200 USD, on which making ends meet is very hard
(Dursunbaeva, 2012). Despite a low average salary, unofficial data indicate that
unemployment is approaching 50 per cent (Ashirmuradov, 2013). Scant
employment opportunities have led to an increasing number of young people
becoming drug addicts. Drugs are cheap – 1 gram of heroin costs about 50 USD
– and readily available (Chronicles of Turkmenistan, 2012). For some,
trafficking and selling drugs is often the only way to make money. For others,
using drugs is the only way to escape a hopeless reality.
Immediately after independence, Turkmenistan isolated itself. It became almost
impossible for foreigners to visit it or for Turkmen citizens to leave. In short,
Turkmenistan remains a closed society with massive repression, high
unemployment and very limited access to information. It is a very weak state and
a weak civil society, and consequently ill prepared to handle potential problems
that may arise from Afghanistan after 2014.
RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKMENISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN:
CONTRACT RATHER THAN FRIENDSHIP
Independent Turkmenistan’s relations with neighbouring Afghanistan have
evolved quite smoothly. Turkmenistan’s political leadership in Ashgabat, the
capital, has maintained good relations with all regimes in Kabul, whether the
Taliban or the current, official, authorities. Few countries officially recognised
the Taliban regime and had diplomatic relations with it. Turkmenistan, however,
established good political contacts with the Taliban and opened consulates in the
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