Month: October 2023

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The Economy of Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan has been established as an upper-middle class country since the year 2012. Turkmenistan’s greatest asset is their gas reserves, they represent about 10% of the world’s gas reserves and are the world’s fourth largest reserve. In 2019 Turkmenistan signed a 5 year contract with Russia to supply natural gas. Turkmenistan is working to expand their exports to multiple countries, that way they are not relying on just the sole client. The population of Turkmenistan is approximately 5.8 million people. Although they have a deal with Russia their biggest client is China, which makes up 25% of their GDP. China receives almost 75% of their gas exports. Turkmenistan also specializes in cotton growing, they are the 10th largest cotton producer in the world. There is a lot of debate about forced cotton picking in Turkmenistan currently. The government in Turkmenistan has total control over the cotton picking and has imposed production quotas on farmers, threatening them if they were not to meet the quotas. Turkmenistan is highly reliant on cotton, and workers are ready to revolt against the government for the way they are treated. There has been discussions about forced labored cotton and supply chains. It has been noted that it is in violation of import ban legislation and obligations on companies not to use goods made with forced labor. In order to stop the cotton from making it to supply chains, they are demanding more enforcement of existing laws governing human rights and labor. Turkmenistan is not a member of NATO but they do cooperate with NATO. Turkmenistan has a permanent policy of neutrality with NATO. Turkmenistan officials participate in a variety of courses provided by NATO and its member states. 

 

“Overview.” World Bank, 2018, www.worldbank.org/en/country/turkmenistan/overview.

“Turkmenistan / Economic Studies – Coface.” Www.coface.com, www.coface.com/Economic-Studies-and-Country-Risks/Turkmenistan.

“Turkmenistan | Economic Indicators | Moody’s Analytics.” Www.economy.com, www.economy.com/turkmenistan/indicators. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.

“Turkmenistan’s Cotton Industry Remains Blighted by Forced Labour and Corruption.” Emerging Europe, 13 June 2023, emerging-europe.com/news/turkmenistans-cotton-industry-remains-blighted-by-forced-labour-and-corruption/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.

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Kyrgyzstan: Billions spent to prevent revolution

Head of Security, Kamchybek Tashiyev said in his inauguration speech that as Kyrgyzstan has had three previous revolutions, one leading to his role as Head of Security, The government has spent over 2 billion over the last two years to prevent any other revolutions. The 2 billion has been spent on apartments, military equipment, and motor travel.

“Kyrgyzstan: Billions Spent on Preventing Revolutions, Says Security Services Chief.” Eurasianet, eurasianet.org/kyrgyzstan-billions-spent-on-preventing-revolutions-says-security-services-chief. Accessed 25 Oct. 2023.

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Conflict Between the Iraqi Army and Kurdish Peshmerga Resulted in 4 Deaths

 

On October 22nd, two Iraqi soldiers and two Kurdish Peshmerga fighters were killed during a violent attack in a northern mountainous area between both sides. The Iraqi and Kurdish security reported this. The Iraqi Prime Minister and the commander-in-chief of armed forces, Mohammed al-Sudani ordered a high-level investigation into the violent matter. This is very important to both parties involved because violence between the two groups has not occurred since 2017.

This was caused when Iraqi government forces issued a surprise attack in retaliation to gain an independent referendum, which the Kurdish Regional Government organized. This recent attack occurred on Sunday because the Peshmerga fighters were a part of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which is the ruling party in the Iraqi Kurdish Region. The fighters were attempting to regain their positions, which they had previously evacuated near Makhmour on Saturday. This regaining of positions caused the clash between the two groups, which lasted for around two hours when both group’s leaders sought to relieve the tensions. Before this clash, the Iraqi army and Peshmerga fighters reported that two Iraqi soldiers and one Peshmerga fighter were killed. There have been minor updates on the resolution to this violence. However, the Iraqi Army still has control over the mountainous region and those positions the Peshmerga fighters had attempted to regain control of.

Rasheed, Ahmed. “Four Killed in Clashes between Iraqi Army and Kurdish Peshmerga, Security Sources Say.” Edited by John Stonestreet and Josie Kao, Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 22 Oct. 2023, www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/two-killed-clashes-between-iraqi-army-kurdish-peshmerga-security-sources-2023-10-22/.

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Uzbekistan Restaurants Shut Down as Part of Restrictions on Religious Freedoms

Restaurants that do not serve alcohol in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, have been closed down by officials. Officials stated these restaurants could reopen if they agreed to sell liquor. This is part of a plan to curb freedom of religion for Muslims in Uzbekistan. It is part of what seems to be a government concern about a wave of “religious radicalization” in Uzbekistan. Many restaurant owners claimed their restaurants to be Halal, and said that they were shut down after surprise raids by police, health and safety inspectors, and tax officials. Owners claimed that these intruders didn’t present any official documentation and were not given any official reason for their restaurants being temporarily shut down. These restaurants do not serve alcohol, offer a prayer room for diners, and serve halal food. 

Under Islam drinking alcohol is banned, but it is legal in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is a secular Muslim-majority country. These shutdowns have occurred during criticisms of the government backsliding on its promises to improve religious freedoms. Restaurant owners were told to obtain a license to sell alcohol and open a small bar in their establishments, then they could continue with their business “without problem”. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev had been credited for ending restrictions on religious freedoms put in place by the former president, but recently they seem to be backsliding on his promises. It seems that the government continues to view religion as a threat and pushes these restrictions on peaceful communities. 

Najiballah, Farangis. “‘Serve Alcohol or Go Bust!’: Halal Restaurants in Uzbek Capital Closed in Crackdown.” RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty, RFE/RL, 24 Oct. 2023, www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-restaurants-halal-alcohol/32651720.html. 

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“Kazakhstan holds snap presidential vote after turbulent year”

Kazakhstan, In 2019 following the resignation of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Tokayev became president after Nazarbayev was receiving much back lash after the gas prices and inflation. Protests sparked against Nazarbayev and many were killed, a chant said was “Old Man Out!”. Tokayev in response removed Nazarbayev from his security council post and repealed a law granting Nazarbayev and his family immunity from prosecution. Tokayev has since pushed reforms and strengthened Kazakstan parliament, reducing presidential powers, and the 7-year presidential term. Tokayev’s push for a 7-year term was to distance from longtime ally and dominant power, Russia. Tokayev could be in office until 2029 as this is his second term.

 

Heintz, Jim. “Kazakhstan Holds Snap Presidential Vote After Turbulent Year.” AP News, AP News, 19 Nov. 2022, apnews.com/article/europe-asia-9ef3f56d28c7e75cdf375fa38988a96a.

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Required Cotton Picking in Turkmenistan

In early August, Turkmenistan required at least state workers to pick cotton during peak season. In the Lebap province, the government required at least 50 percent of all state agencies to mobilize their staff for cotton picking during the weekdays. Unfortunately, on the weekends, all staff must go cotton picking. The staff have a required amount of cotton to pick per day, usually about 20-25 kilos. Government representatives visit the field to take daily attendance for cotton picking. All types of workers are required to attend, including teachers, doctors, librarians, transportation workers, etc. Those who refused to work were threatened with loss of their jobs. Although some feel trapped, some have found loopholes. Bribing others to do their picking, pay ranging from $8.50-$14.00 a day. It has been made clear to the workers that the government only cares about meeting their daily quotas, it doesn’t matter who is there or how it’s done as long as it is met. The workers are put through rough working environments and extreme weather conditions. Oftentimes workers must find a way to transport themselves to the fields because it is not provided. Recently, teachers and doctors have been freed from required cotton picking in multiple regions. There are worries that this is only temporary because of incoming visits from the International Labor Organization (ILO) and representatives of the U.S. Department of Labor. There is confusion as this time of year is the height season for cotton picking and has required picking for decades. Hopefully the exemption is not temporary but there is hope that this will lead to a better future for cotton picking in Turkmenistan. 

Service, RFE/RL’s Turkmen. “Involuntary Volunteers: Turkmenistan Mobilizes State Workers to Pick Cotton.” RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, 20 Sept. 2023, www.rferl.org/a/turkmenistan-cotton-forced-labor-state-workers/32566055.html.  

Habartm. “Teachers and Doctors in Turkmenistan Exempt from Cotton Picking – Could This Be Permanent?” Turkmen.News, 21 Sept. 2023, en.turkmen.news/news/teachers-and-doctors-in-turkmenistan-exempt-from-cotton-picking-could-this-be-permanent/.

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Kurdistan Crude Oil Pipeline Complications

Oil, gasoline, and petrol prices are on the rise continuously. This causes many issues for people all around the world. But what about the countries that are providing the crude oil? The countries that use the various pipelines worldwide must deal with many political issues that cause huge issues when transporting this oil. Kurdistan is one of these crude oil producers, but recently, they have fallen into setbacks with Baghdad. The pipeline has halted the transports since March, and this has caused over $6 billion worth of losses to the Kurdish and Iraqi governments. Many of these losses have been blamed on Turkey, refusing oil flow through the pipeline for months. However, Ankara officials have stated that the pipeline underwent much-needed reinforcement from previous earthquakes. Throughout all these disputes, the President of the Kurdistan region, President Barzani, stated, “We need a new agreement and understanding with the PUK to progress our nation forward,” he said. Kurdistan has been dealing with internal issues, mainly between the PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) and the KDP (Kurdistan Democratic Party).’ “We have to figure out how to work together,” Barzani stressed. “We were able to achieve a lot of successes together, and in case of deterioration, all Kurds and all of Iraq will suffer.”’ The discussion on the crude oil pipeline allowed for the discussion of implementing a true federal system in Iraq, which would benefit the entire country. Iraq has been seeking ways to better its economy, as Iraq passed a budget bill for the next three years, and the Kurdish Region’s share is 12.6 percent. After this was passed, the budget issues have not been resolved as the blame continues on Baghdad for not sending the proper funds to pay the civil servants of the Kurdistan Region.

To conclude President Barzani’s discussion on the economic issues the region has been undergoing, he also discussed how many countries use the region as a war launchpad. “This problem must be resolved through dialogue. This is not a problem that we can resolve militarily. It is a type of issue that has to be resolved politically,” Barzani stated after the issue between Turkey and the PKK (Kurdistan’s Workers Party). The PKK has gone against the region’s beliefs as it is a terrorist group that has engaged in many shootouts and attacks in the Kurdistan Region and Syria. There have been many war and weapons agreements between many countries in this region, including Baghdad and Tehran, to help eliminate these attacks. In conclusion, the Kurdistan Region is undergoing many internal and external issues that have begun with the issues with the crude oil pipeline.

“Kurdish Crude Oil Exports Resumption Depends on Iraq, Says President Barzani.” Rudaw.Net, www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/101020234. Accessed 15 Oct. 2023.