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05/10/2004: "ANOTHER ECCENTRIC DICTATOR"

The following article from K-House eNews, reveals how confused we are due to academia's failure to solve the mystery of God and human existence. After the fall of atheism in the Soviet Union, it appears as though the atheistic leader of Turkmenistan, decided to make himself a god. As you read this article, please keep in mind that "communism" is the economic system used by atheistic countries.

ANOTHER ECCENTRIC DICTATOR K-House News

Move over Fidel Castro, Saddam Hussein and Kim Jong Il. The former Soviet republic of Turkmenistan, nestled north of Iran between the Caspian Sea and Afghanistan, has its rich oil and gas reserves along with its power-loving leadership. It seems the world is never in shortage of disturbing eccentric dictators.

Saparmurat Niyazov, Turkmenbashi (father-of-all-Turkmen) and president-for-life of Turkmenistan, makes decisions that affect even the smallest details of his people's daily lives. Once the country's Communist Party chief, he still runs his nation much as the communists (atheists) always have – through absolute control over the media and little lenience toward political opposition. He wrote a philosophical treatise, The Rukhnama, or Book of the Soul, which must be honored with a kiss by those entering places of worship. The chief mullah who opposed this sacrilege was given a 23-year prison sentence, as Niyazov has a no-tolerance policy for those who question his decisions.

While similar to other dictators in many ways – his paranoia over potential political rivals, his self-aggrandizement, and the incredible luxury he enjoys while the majority of his people live in poverty - Niyazov has his own flare. He renamed the month of January after himself, and he renamed April after his late mother. He recently decided that gold-caps on teeth were no longer acceptable, and people are now required to return to the dentist to have their gold replaced with porcelain. In the capital city of Ashgabat, a huge golden statue of Niyazov rotates 360 degrees every 24 hours so that the sun always shines on his face.

And Niyazov is obsessed with horses. Recently this little-known dictator offered to organize a five-continent horse race in order to promote "international peace and reconciliation." Niyazov has spent vast amounts of his country's wealth in building a new hippodrome – a top-notch racetrack with lush grass and fine stables housing his prized Akhal-Teke horses. The stadium opened last week just outside the national capital, on the national holiday Horse Day, April 27 – a holiday which Niyazov himself created.

As gas prices shoot up, and oil exploration companies start looking into the rich oil supplies of places like Turkmenistan, dictators like Saparmurat Niyazov will make their way into greater international importance.

Related Links:
• Turkmen Leader Extends Hoof of Friendship With World Horse Race Plan - Yahoo News
• Autocrat With Orthodontic Obsession - Financial Review
• Turkmenistan Resource Page - EurasiaNet






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