"Berdimuhammedov makes historic cabinet reshuffle"

Posted By Thomas E. Ricks Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 5:03 PM Share

I just loved that headline. Go ahead and read the article if you must. Among those dismissed were the governor of Lebap province. The deputy minister of oil and gas got away with a reprimand. I am not making this up.

I am guessing that local newspaper headline writers aren't even allowed to refer to him as "Berdie" or "Berd-man."

EXPLORE:CENTRAL ASIA, CORRUPTION, POLITICS
 

Thomas E. Ricks covered the U.S. military for the Washington Post from 2000 through 2008.

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