Meet the new boss; same as the old boss.

Even after the December death of Saparmurat "Turkmenbashi" Niazov, it seems that the people of Turkmenistan are still terrified of the state.

In other shocking news, newly "elected" president Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov publicly kissed a copy of the Ruhnama and vowed to strengthen political ties with China. Why, it's almost as if nothing has changed! Were you expecting changes or something? Come on now, people.

On the serious tip, when I asked for more dictator merchandise back in December, I had no idea that Turkmenistan was only to happy to oblige my appalling bad taste.

No, really. You can get it right here. Sign me up for a shirt and a mug, Mr. President!

UPDATE: Damn! Doesn't that apparatchik behind Berdimuhammedov's right shoulder remind you of somebody?