A taxi driver and traffic inspector negotiate over an infraction on Dushanbe's main drag. Police are stationed on Rudaki Avenue approximately every 50 meters to direct traffic when a dignitary passes. Most of the time, however -- such as here, seen through the back window of the taxi -- they are free to interpret the law. (Unless, of course, one has a special number plate.)
David Trilling is EurasiaNet's Central Asia editor.