Latest Articles about North Caucasus
Moscow Is Trying to Outsmart the Salafis in Chechnya
In recent years, Moscow and its regional governors have attempted to win over the Muslim publics of the North Caucasus through fortifying the Muslim spiritual boards and pitting them against Salafi ideologies. Initially, neither the government nor the public anticipated the ultimate potency of Salafi... MORE
Georgia Flexes Its Soft Power Muscles in Its Immediate Neighborhood
On May 2, the Georgian parliament held its first public discussion of Georgia’s State Strategy on Relations with the Peoples of the North Caucasus. The strategy prioritizes Georgia-North Caucasus ties, proposing to expand Georgian assistance to North Caucasian human rights activists, cultural and science associations... MORE
Russian Experts and Politicians Want Tougher Stance on the North Caucasus
On May 3, a double suicide attack shattered a large police checkpoint on the outskirts of Makhachkala, the principal city of Dagestan. According to government sources, 13 persons died in the attack and another 100 were injured (https://ria.ru/incidents/20120504/640710463.html, May 4). The first bomb contained an... MORE
Outflow of Ethnic Russians from Russian-Majority Stavropol Region Troubles Moscow
In April 2012, ethnic Nogais held three rallies in the North Caucasus to pave the way for the creation of the Federal National-Cultural Autonomy of Nogai people. On April 21, Nogai activists held a conference in Stavropol region, which is part of the North Caucasus... MORE
Chechen Officials Unable to Combat Growing Growth of Extremism and Separatism
Recent events in and around Chechnya indicate a high level of tensions in the republic that also have become endemic in most parts of the North Caucasus. While being under Moscow’s control, Chechnya still is the main destabilizer of the region.According to the Chechen Interior... MORE
Rising Circassian Activism Fuels Resentment Among Other North Caucasian Peoples
On April 26, the parliament of Kabardino-Balkaria addressed Moscow’s envoy to the North Caucasus, Alexander Khloponin to facilitate an increase in the republican police force. Earlier in March at a parliament hearing, the Interior Minister of Kabardino-Balkaria, Sergei Vasiliev, complained about a shortage of manpower... MORE
Georgian Policy Toward the North Caucasus Causes Concern Among Russian Experts
North Caucasus federal district officials anticipate sweeping structural changes by the end of May after Vladimir Putin is inaugurated as the President of Russia. The incoming President’s administration is expected to increase its focus on the North Caucasus. Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported on April 23 that... MORE
Expert Cites Dangers of Syrian Circassians’ Return to the North Caucasus
The Russian federal agency for CIS affairs, compatriots and international humanitarian cooperation unveiled plans for holding a conference of compatriots in Beirut, Lebanon before the end of this May. The agency’s head, Konstantin Kosachyov, told members of the Russian Federation Council that the agency was... MORE
Dagestan Remains the Hot Spot of Insurgent Activity in the North Caucasus
A police checkpoint in the Dagestani city of Khasavyurt came under fire early today (April 20). One policeman was slightly wounded in the attack. Police fired back at the gunman but he managed to escape in a car (riandagestan.ru, April 20).Yesterday (April 19), three suspected... MORE
Kidnappings and Murders Are Again Becoming Routine in Ingushetia
On April 3, in a bloody incident in Nazran, five people were killed on their way home from their jobs at a brickyard (www.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/204389/). The incident illuminated the authorities’ incompetence and inadequate response to the processes occurring in the republic. Government agents surrounded the car... MORE