In the midst of the SCO's annual summit and the US Republican Party Presidential Convention both the New York Times and the International Herald Tribune found space on their front pages to discuss Tajikistan's water woes. Now we have discussed Tajikistan much recently, mainly because of its hosting of the SCO summit, and we have also in the past talked about its at times, especially this last summer, dire water and energy situation, but I feel it important to take note when a major media outlets cover the story.
The Times does a solid job recounting the short and tumultous recent history of the state, the Soviet past, civil war, and harsh 2007-2008 winter, and the state's obstacles in supplying its people and the region with water and energy, costs, lack of foreign investors, geographical roadblocks such as earthquakes and terrain, regional disagreements, and poor management. The article also does a curt, but still somewhat hard-hitting discussion of Tajik Rahmon government failures to provide services, especially energy related, to its people. In an interview, an American NGO official called ‘chronic mismanagement’ by the government the main culprit behind the energy failures of the last winter. David L. Stern, the author of the article, also reports that several unnamed diplomats and experts believe Tajik is threatening to become a ‘failed state.’ On the other hand, the article is mainly about the nation's energy/water present and future arrangements and in discussing the Rogun dam proposal, the current use of the Nurek dam (Still the world's tallest), and the problems with both, it was an informative article for many who most likely have never read much about the country. For a more in-depth look into the Tajik and Central Asia's energy challenge, once again check out Johannes F. Linn's two pieces, which I keep linking too, but not discussing, maybe tomorrow? (The Upcoming Water-Energy-Food Crisis Risks in Central Asia: Update on an International Response and Central Asia's Energy Challenge: Overcoming the Natural Resource Curse)
It would be a travesty if I didn't show you the excellent photo album accompanying the Times article. It showcases Tajik's dams, geography, and its people beautifully: Dang it! I tried to embed it in, but was unable. Please follow link.
PS: Tajikistan and Russia signed a joint statement for expanding military and technical cooperation in order to ensure national and regional security during their the SCO summit.
(Photo Source: New York Times)
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