Gurbanguly

Anti-corruption campaigners have voiced anger that the Duke of York called on Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the president of Turkmenistan, as part of a British trade lobbying effort aimed at the gas-rich central Asian autocracy.

Prince Andrew under new pressure over link to Turkmenistan 2011

So in March 2008, our man Gurbanguly ordered a GCA audit to dispel any doubts.

Pepe Escobar: Blue Gold, Turkmen Bashes, and Asian Grids 2009

Gurbanguly is proving an even more riotous player than the Turkmenbashi.

Pepe Escobar: Blue Gold, Turkmen Bashes, and Asian Grids 2009

Should Gurbanguly someday say the magic word -- and assuming the Russians don't throw a monkey wrench into the works -- he can marry Turkey, as the key transit country, with the EU and let them all sing Verdi till the sheep come home.

Pepe Escobar: Jumpin' Jack Verdi, It's a Gas, Gas, Gas: Iran and the Pipelineistan Opera 2009

At an international conference last month in Ashgabat ( "the city of love"), the Las Vegas of Central Asia, Gurbanguly told a hall packed with Americans, Europeans, and Russians that "diversification of energy flows and inclusion of new countries into the geography of export routes can help the global economy gain stability."

Pepe Escobar: Blue Gold, Turkmen Bashes, and Asian Grids 2009

For the time being, our man Gurbanguly may have snatched the leading role in the New Great Game in this part of Eurasia.

Pepe Escobar: Blue Gold, Turkmen Bashes, and Asian Grids 2009

Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW, a former NYYAZOW aide, emerged as the country's new president.

Turkmenistan 2008

Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW, a former NYYAZOW aide, emerged as the country's new president.

Background 2008

Saparmurat NIYAZOV died in office 21 December 2006 and Gurbanguly

The 2007 CIA World Factbook United States. Central Intelligence Agency

NIYAZOV died in office 21 December 2006 and Gurbanguly

The 2007 CIA World Factbook United States. Central Intelligence Agency