Upheaval in Nalchik: New Directions in the Chechen Insurgency

Jamestown Foundation ^ | 2005 Nov 3 | Andrew McGregor

[Wiz]

When Abdul-Khalim Sadulaev succeeded the late Aslan Maskhadov as the leader of the Chechen resistance, he was initially described by Russian sources as an Arab and a representative of al-Qaeda. Even after it was shown that the new President was a Chechen, many observers suggested that the presidency of the Islamic scholar would function merely as a rubber-stamp for the terrorist ambitions of warlord Shamil Basaev, Arab fighter Abu Hafs and others. Contrary to these expectations, the young President has moved the Chechen resistance away from terrorism and any potential association with al-Qaeda. Military operations are the order of the day, and expansion of the conflict is the long-term strategy. While Maskhadov was never able to assert complete control over extremist factions in the resistance, the raid on Nalchik suggests that Sadulaev is ready to pursue a unified military solution to the Chechen conflict (unless Russia offers terms for peace). Recent events also demonstrate the growing influence of Chechen field commanders like Doku Umarov, who have respectable military records relatively untainted by charges of terrorism.

The Nalchik Raid

As Basaev admits, the Nalchik raid was, in some ways, a botched job. As early as October 8, a captured militant informed police that a large-scale attack was about to be launched on Nalchik [1]. On October 11, a large cache of explosives was discovered, followed by a party of militants being trapped in a Nalchik suburb on the morning of the 13th. According to Basaev, local fighters insisted on carrying out their plans despite Russian awareness that an attack could be imminent. When the raid began, parents worried about another Beslan massacre and rushed to evacuate the schools, but these did not figure in the militants’ list of targets.

[FairOpinion]

"The Sunday Herald Sun also has learned that Chechen terrorists skilled in bomb making have established links with radical Islamic groups in Melbourne and Sydney. "


http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1516558/posts

The Chechens are exporting terrorism worldwide now.

[Andy from Beaverton]

The Chechens are exporting terrorism worldwide now.
Now??? It has been happening for over 10 years.

[Wiz]

I think it is the other way, importing bomb making skills from Iraq by Al Qaida. In othger words, Iran is indirectly supporting the Chechens by the bomb making skills they spreaded for Iraq terrorists which slipped into Chechen while Russia seems to be opposing sanctions for the threats of nuclear weapons.

[Wiz]

ping

[happyathome]

"Iran is indirectly supporting the Chechens"

I've been thinking this for a while. Evidence is scarce so far, but I have a gut feel. Got flamed by some pro-Putin Ivans on posts last week - they don't want to believe Putin is in bed with his enemy.