Turkmenistan: A new gas pipeline for Iran

As Iran becomes increasingly isolated internationally, this pipeline deal could mean it is set to strengthen relations with authoritarian governments in Central Asia. The deal also provides an indication that Russia's status as the dominant trade and political power in Central Asia is slipping.
Turkmenistan is a former Soviet Republic, and continues to be ruled by the Communist Party. The country is predominantly Muslim, and famous for the cult-like reverence accorded to President for Life Saparmurat Niyazov, who ruled the country from 1985 until his death in 2006.

http://www.syracuse.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/business-23/124742408380150.xml&storylist=business