Turkmenbashy Part 1: Soviet Stooge, Hermit Tyrant
Real Dictators
Turkmen Basha and the Soviet Union
I was like watching a slightly dysfunctional parent handing out sweets to children. Turkmenistan has not so much won its freedom, as had its freedom thrust upon it. There's nothing akin to the excitement and sense of possibility enjoyed by Poland or Czechoslovakia when they throw off the Soviet yoke. Most people have lived their entire lives as Soviets, and to some extent become resigned to their lot.
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