Will Russia's Outer Regions Seek Independence From Russia

Russian Provinces And Regions (Click on map to enlarge)

ANALYSIS-Kremlin Recognition Risks "Domino Effect"
At Home -- Reuters Alertnet

MOSCOW, Aug 27 (Reuters) - The Kremlin's decision to recognise the independence of two breakaway regions of neighbouring Georgia has prompted some people inside Russia's own borders to ask: why can we not have independence too?

The recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia risks starting a "domino effect," re-awakening separatist sentiments in Chechnya and other parts of the turbulent North Caucasus where Russia has been fighting to contain rebellions.

Analysts say Russian troops are firmly in control in Chechnya and elsewhere in the region, making a new uprising unlikely any time soon.

"But the recognition of these unrecognised republics will without doubt stick in the minds of a lot of people in the North Caucaus," said Alexei Malashenko, an expert on the region at the Carnegie Moscow Center think-tank.

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My Comment: For the moment .... the answer is no. By flexing its military strength, Russia has effectively silenced all separatist movements in its territory. But the precedent has been set .... and in the long term Russia is going to suffer from this.