Why Russia Has Problems In The Caucasus

The North Caucasus region is the part of Russia that slopes up towards the main ridge of the Caucasus mountains, often considered the border between Europe and Asia.It is home to dozens of nationalities and languages, many of which have troubled relationships with their neighbours or with central governments in Moscow or Tbilisi. Image from The BBC

A Region’s Wounds Fester on Russia’s South Border -- New York Times

VLADIKAVKAZ, Russia — If anyone is still wondering why Russia finds itself entangled deeper and deeper in its attempt to pacify the Caucasus, Aslan Aushev, for one, would be happy to explain.

It was the spring of 2009. He had just left his family home in the Ingush central city of Nazran for work one morning when a column of armored personnel carriers manned by masked federal troops roared in and surrounded the house next door. Mr. Aushev, 23, rushed back and begged the federal officers to allow him to evacuate his family, including his 5-year-old sister, from the basement where they were cowering, thinking they would do him a favor because he is a police officer.

Read more ....

More News On The Islamic Insurgency In The Caucasus

Alexander Tikhomirov's life illustrates challenge radical Islam poses in Russia -- Washington Post
Russia adopts tougher anti-terror measures in North Caucasus -- Xinhuanet
Russians Now Face-to-Face With Terrorism -- Moscow Times
New Caucasus Unit Will Fight Terrorism -- Moscow Times
Russia's 'Black Widows': Terrorism or Revenge? -- Time Magazine
2014 Olympics in Sochi face terror and environmental concerns -- Toronto Star
Chechnya Reignited: A Promise Unfulfilled in Russia's "Dirty War" -- Huffington Post
Documenting the Chechen Struggles -- New York Times