Paul Goble
Staunton, June 25 – Many make the mistake in thinking that Islamist radicalism in the Russian Federation is the same as its counterpart in the Arab world, Yana Amelina says; but in fact, it is very different in that it is not confined to the poorest parts of society but rather reflects a political choice that even the wealthiest and most powerful may make.
The coordinator of the Caucasus Geopolitical Club and a longtime specialist on the North Cacausus says that in the wake of the Derbent and Makhachkala attacks, “it is incorrect to transpose on Russian realities the particular features of radical Islamism in Arab countries, southeast Asia and so on” (ukraina.ru/20240624/1055824673.html).
“Our radical Islamists,” Amelina argues, “have come from the most varied strata of society, including the highly placed with people from wealth families and good educations also joining this trend. In Russi, radical Islamism is a religious-ideological choice and not a low-paying job.”
Because of the military operation in Ukraine, however, many in Moscow and elsewhere have failed to recognize this and to see the real nature of Islamist radicalism in Russia and how it is becoming ever more dangerous with its adepts not going “into the forests” as before but engaging in suicidal attacks in cities, she continues.
Moscow must shut down the social networks that communicate the ideas behind such moves and recognize that those carrying out such attacks are working for the West. That is why these Islamists are focusing not on building an Islamic state but on separating the North Caucasus from Russia and promoting Russia’s disintegration.
Up to now, as has just happened in Dagestan, the Islamists in Russia have attacked Christian and Jewish targets; but there is a growing possibility that they will turn their fire not on churches and synagogues but on Russian tourists visiting the region. That is something Moscow must do everything in its power to prevent, Amelina concludes.
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