new day in Turkmenistan?

[merchimerch]

Wow - I just found out that Niyazov, the totalitarian ruler of Turkmenstan died a few days ago. I'm shocked (I think his death was sudden), and I wonder what will become of Turkmenistan now. Niyazov epitomized the crazy Central Asian dictator, erecting statues of himself, banning ballet and other Western musical forms, making his writings the foundation of the education system, and naming months after his family members.

I really have to wonder what the replacement will be like and what this will do to Central Asian politics in general.

Comments

[thunderbox.livejournal.com]

Given Niyazov's style of 'leadership' it seems particularly appropriate that he died on Stalin's birthday.

[merchimerch.livejournal.com]

oh good catch - I didn't even notice that one. I was just chatting with someone about Prokofiev and Stalin dieing on the same day, so it should have been more on my radar.

[thunderbox.livejournal.com]

I'm surprised Craig Murray (http://www.craigmurray.co.uk/) hasn't offered a comment on where this might lead, but he's been silent so far.

It's a sad comment on modern times that my reaction to the news wasn't Oh great another tyrant gone but rather wondering aloud how badly the idiots in charge of our asylum will bugger this opportunity up as they have so many before.

[azriona.livejournal.com]

I want to know if his successor will take down his rotating gold statue, because I've always wanted to see that.