Porphyrogenitus over at Ranting Screeds links to this STRATFOR article on the possibility of a non-violent regime change in Turkmenistan, Supported by the US and Europe. Turkmenistan's President, Saparmurad Niyazov created a tyrannical, Stalinist dictatorship after the collapse of the USSR, and has used brutal methods to remain in control. Before the war in Afghanistan, the US made deals with him to gain access to Turkmen Bases.

Working with such a man was a distastful, but necessary move. But now that we don't need him any more, it looks like we're gonna back the opposition to get rid of him. Good.

Of interest to Chomskyites ass-lickers, Turkmenistan is important for any oil coming out of the Caspian, but Niyazov is all-for pipeline building. How long do you think it'll take for Noam to start defending ol' uncle Sap?