The Foreign Service Journal, April 2003

in Afghanistan, the Taliban and the Northern Alliance, both of which were simultaneously accorded diplomatic status. Turkmenistan is also a country that has a potential to become wealthy, as it has the world’s fourth largest reserves of natural gas for a population of less than five million. However, Turkmenistan is at present the most problematic country in Central Asia, and the one most likely to see violent unrest or an implosion in the near future. Turkmenistan’s problem is its leader, Saparmurat Niyazov. In power since the Soviet era, Niyazov began building an ever-more-erratic personality cult as soon as the nation gained its independence. The cult began with the standard omnipresent posters and slogans, but soon expanded. Niyazov named cities, buildings, parks and streets after himself, then erected statues of himself around the country, including a 30-foot golden statue in central Ashgabat that rotates with the sun. He named himself “Turkmenbashi” (Head of all Turkmen) and pro- hibited any mention of his name in the press without this title. By 2001, the epithet “the Great” was added, and Niyazov published the Rukhnama , a book he allegedly wrote. Rukhnama , which claims to “explain the world anew,” is really an esoteric mix of mythology, an ambitious but questionable history of the Turkmen nation (said to date back to the prophet Noah, whose accomplish- ments include having founded 70 states, including Safavid Iran), and general ethics and admonitions (“wear clean and decent clothes”). These measures, including Niyazov’s renaming of F O C U S A P R I L 2 0 0 3 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 23 The reconstruction of major highways, bridges and tunnels through Afghanistan is crucial. We offer spacious beautifully appointed suites which are ideal for business or pleasure. Our One Bedroom Suites: full kitchens, stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers and dinette area, living rooms with sleep sofas, master bedroom and full bath. There’s more . . . those on full per diem at $150.00 + tax daily rate receive: • 2 times/week receive a $22 coupon for dinner at a local participating restaurant • Continental breakfast • Weekly buffet dinner • Daily maid service • Free local calls • Health club • Internet access in lobby • Weekend transport to local hot spots For example: Potomac Mills Mall or Mt. Vernon! Experience the Appealing Charm … 108 South Courthouse Road 610 Bashford Lane Arlington, VA 22204 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-522-2582 (club) 703-739-2582 eclubsales@dcexeclub.com alexandriasales@ arlingtonsales@dcexeclub.com dcexeclub.com Two Convenient Locations: Our “Rosslyn” Guests are moving to our Arlington location.... Executive Club Suites of Arlington now offers dedicated units for our Foreign Service guests: “E-Club’ In addition to all the service, amenities and courteous staff you have been used to, we offer more . . . • Electronic locks on guest rooms • 3 miles to NFATC RT shuttle • RT Grocery pickup weekly • Outdoor pool & Jacuzzi in fabulous setting • Grilling area We accept the first sliding per diem (your 100% for 60 days, then the 50% reduc- tion w/weekly maid & w/o meal coupons.) Central Reservations: 703-739-2582 extension 1405 www.execlubdc.com or jerome@dcexeclub.com