31 December 2014, 18:20
Out of 54 most interesting comments of this autumn, readers of the "Caucasian Knot" have chosen 12 best ones
For four years in a row, the "Caucasian Knot" has been marking the most meaningful, informative and topicalcomments made by its users. A year ago, we paid special attention to readers' comments about the freedom of religionand the problem of corruption in the Caucasus. This autumn we decided to award prizes to best commentators every week. Traditionally, the final choice and definition of the winner are with our readers.
Starting September 1, during three months, the "Caucasian Knot" marked the most interesting comments, while our readers were free to choose the best comment of the elapsed week. We considered all the comments posted on interactive platforms of the "Caucasian Knot", namely, on the news tape, on the pages of our bloggers, in the forumand online discussions, in twitt broadcasts, and in the messages, received by the SMS-service of the "Caucasian Knot".
In the course of the contest, from September 1 to November 30, in total, 529 users sent over 13,000 messages, having commented 635 articles, news items, and posts in blogs. The "Caucasian Knot" has identified 54 comments to the most actual topics of the autumn, which gathered a total of 31,073 votes, and defined 12 winners.
Earlier, the "Caucasian Knot" held the following contests of readers' comments:
1. The best comment on the "Caucasian Knot" – in 2010;
2. Best comments of the readers of the "Caucasian Knot" – in January 2011;
3. The most active and critical commentator in blogs of the "Caucasian Knot" – in 2011;
4. The most active and informative news commentator of the "Caucasian Knot" – in 2011;
5. The best message on the Twitter of the Internet-medium "Caucasian Knot" – in 2011;
6. The best comment of the readers of the "Caucasian Knot" on the Facebook – in 2011;
7. Best comments on the materials of the "Caucasian Knot" from LiveJournal users – in 2012;
9. "Choice of the Caucasus": contest of comments about the election of Russian President to the materials of the "Caucasian Knot" – in 2012;
10. The most active and critical commentator of news items of the "Caucasian Knot" – in 2012;
11. Best comments to materials of the "Caucasian Knot" about corruption in Northern Caucasus – in 2013; and
12. Best comments to materials of the "Caucasian Knot" about the freedom of religion in Northern Caucasus – in 2013.
"Islamic State" threatens the Caucasus
Our readers used to demonstrate great interest in and activeness to the topics and events, caused by the current international political situation: the Ukrainian crisis, Russia's reaction to the Western sanctions; and appearance of the so-called "Islamic State" (IS) in the Middle East. The threats of the IS to transfer military actions to the Caucasus and Russia were differently perceived by our readers.
The user with the nick ahtichai expressed doubts as to a physical possibility of such scenario: "))))))) Have they already 'liberated' Syria, Iraq and Lebanon?))) And how will their equipment get to the Caucasus: via the space))) or by sea)))? If they move by land, they need first to conquer Iran or Turkey; and to reach RUSSIA, they also need to cross Azerbaijan or Georgia. IN short, it's delirium of insane persons (((In general, I think that this ISIL is a complete utopia; and they'll reach nothing. They were grown up on the money of the USA, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and, possibly, UAE. They could and can do almost nothing, even fighting – they faced nobody serious there; they can do nothing even with Assad."
The user Ernesto, on the contrary, believes that bringing militants to the Caucasus is theoretically possible, but they will find no support from local residents: "Sure, ISIL militants won't reach Northern Caucasus by themselves; but should they are helped, they may fly there. In Afghanistan, mujahideens possessed, not without external help, American weapons, which allowed them to efficiently confront the Soviet Union. In Vietnam Soviet weapons fought against Americans, and so efficiently that Yankees had to go home. In Ukraine, a handful of some separatists are totally defeating the Ukrainian Army, and everybody understands with whose help. But in Northern Caucasus, and, especially, in Chechnya, people are sick and tired of war. Besides, you go out into the street and see that the today's Chechnya has nothing in common with what was here before. Of course, there are people, who are not happy with the rule of KRA (Kadyrov, Ramzan A.). But this will not raise the population to riots or revolts. Recollect the end of the voyage of Ernesto Che Guevara to Bolivia. He failed to get support from the local population, was captured and executed."
The user drugan bratanov recollects the experience of transportation of Islamic militants to the Caucasus in the course of Chechen war campaigns, and believes that they should be confronted also by "duly ideologically trained fighters": "I greet you, esteemed Kyamal! In my humble opinion, the point is in resources... in the material basis... in good stock of ammunition... And, of course, in the idea... Even if these 'guys' are brought here in helicopters, with 'smoking breaks' [as it was during Chechen Wars 1 and 2] in the Pankisssi Gorge of Georgia, they can be met there by properly armed forces and 'liquidated, by fertilizing the soil with their bodies some two-three miles away from the place of their landing... But for this we need to have ideologically prepared fighters... That is, the 'comrades', who would probably confront them, should ideologically hate them, for their hands give no shake! For example, I could have some pleasure in duly beating some militant of the 'Iraq and the Levante' just because of their hypocrisy and deviant behaviour from the viewpoint of both the Islamic and Soviet way of thinking. Since eating the heart of a killed soldier in front of a video camera, and – at the same time – appeal to supreme forces is the behaviour of a self-liquidator, who begs to be shot dead as soon as possible..."
The user with the nick radiowerewolf finds specific "pros" for the Russian authorities in the activities of IS in the Middle East: "I tell you something, even paradoxical at first sight: for the current Russian regime it is extremely beneficial to continue that massacre in the Middle East. All the Caucasian radical young people are at war there, not only they; but Tatars and Bashkirs are also at war there. Thus, in the Caucasus, there are fewer of those who could ideologically fight. Bringing the war to the Caucasus? Why – those, who could fight in the Caucasus against Putin, are killed in Syria and Iraq. The underground is decentralized completely; only some semi-criminal racketeering rabble remains; but at the same time, the Kremlin should stop harassing local Muslims; and those who return from Syria and Iraq should be immediately taken at the airport and brought to the court; there are the respective precedents already."
The user Monro wonders about the interest of ISIL fighters to the Caucasus and Russia at the background of another outbreak of violence in Israel and in Palestinian territories: "I wonder why they do not want to liberate Palestine; they are also very close to them; moreover, during the recent massacre in Palestine, arranged by Israelis, where some 500 children were killed, ISIL did not even make an accidental shot from a tank at the territory of Israel, while they are very close to the occupied Golan Heights...? "
The greatest number of readers' votes were cast for the comment of the user DruzЪ, in which he calls for peace in the Caucasus, where people are regularly lost without IS militants:
"As to these statements to transfer the war to the Caucasus, EVERYTHING is clearly showing that there are people sitting somewhere in Washington or nearby there, who give orders to the heads of those guys who are now fighting under the flag of the Levante and Iraq. And just in the time, when the world is being split into the 'open' West and 'closed' East; it very clearly shows or gives rise to reflections about who owns and who controls the project named ISIL. In any case, residents of the Caucasus have seen and suffered a lot, and nearly died out because of war. A war never brings fortune to ordinary people, who become victims of war machines. In the Caucasus. people perish almost every day without it – enough!!! We're sick and tired, the Caucasus needs peace, not war."
The facts the ranks of the "Islamic State" include fighting Russian citizens and people from the Caucasus are confirmed by various sources, in including and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The courts in Northern Caucasushave already convicted regional locals for participation in hostilities in Syria.
Caucasian recruits are again at service in Russian Army
Against this background, the Russia's Ministry of Defence announced a call of about 4100 recruits from Northern Caucasus to the regular military service. This is the first such mass call up in recent years. Earlier, media discussed the information about a covert directive, which recommended not recruiting young people from the Caucasus and natives of the Caucasus. Such a turn in the policy of army formation was differently assessed by user of the "Caucasian Knot".
The user nice.konan has treated this decision as contradicting Russia's interests: "In the tsarist Russia, non-Russian nationals were exempted from conscription, because they are first and foremost Muslims, then, they are countrymen, and only then – they are soldiers. For them the oath on the Koran is everything, and the oath given to non-Muslims is nothing. Little has changed since then. Let these 'warriors' first normally pass the United State Examination (USE), and only then, then they can be trained in handling the weapons in the Air Force or in Strategic Missile Forces, and so on. Now, except for a Kamaz driver and a company colour sergeant (to write-off or sell something), they are not fit for the service, especially under contracts. Military higher schools, in including the elite ones, already have experience of such mistakes, while access to state secrets is not a joke, but the most important component of Armed Forces. Training at our expense militants for the Mullahs who lack mosques, is a pure betrayal of state interests of the Russian Federation."
The user DruzЪ continued discussion in the sphere of interaction of the state with religion; in his opinion, in the Russian Army there are no conditions for the service of Muslims: "Is the Russian Army fit for the service of Muslims therein? Let's start with the food: do they cook halal food in the canteens of the Russian Army? In Soviet time, they didn't. But now we have no atheism; and every citizen has the right to profess and follow his/her own religion, and Islam forbids eating non-halal food. Has the daily routine of the Russian army time for 5 prayers a day? Muslims must administer five prayers a day. Muslims cannot take part in the war against Muslims on the side of infidels (that is, Christians). What is the Russian Army doing in the Caucasus? We must first solve at least the basic problems in our own army prior to start the populist action of recruiting the boys, whom 15 years ago the Supreme Commander of the Russian Army called to 'get in toilets'; and they really 'got' a lot of them. It is necessary first to bring our army up to civilized level, clean it from thieves and drunks, rapists and maniacs, who rape soldiers, and other dirty mischief. We must start building it from the very top down; and to start with, at least liberate the army from those 'brave officers' who killed people in Chechnya."
The user with the nick awesome, on the contrary, thinks that young Caucasians are those whom the Russian Army really needs: "Worthy guys shall be recruited! In the army - go worthy! The times have gone, when they recruited everybody! Strong, tough and motivated! In general, the best! I have an opportunity to compare. And now I see those who serve the Motherland! Selected guys of all nationalities! And if you talk about Caucasians... then, who, apart of them, are more suitable for service to the Motherland? Strong, aggressive... well and duly financially motivated…"
Most votes were given to the user with the nick BenJoice, he believes that religion or nationality cannot be an obstacle for the service; and the army should be formed on the voluntary basis:
"To begin with, we have a secular state, and nobody will adapt to religious feelings of believers, as well as to organize their life, schedule and food rations. This applies to everyone, not just Muslims, especially since we have alternative service, if religion does not allow serving. Forming unit on the basis of soldiers' confessions? Then, let's apply this principle in hiring, treatment, training... it's madness? I agree, let only those go to serve, who really want it; in order not to start thinking about who and how can serve under one's religion. On the voluntary basis, same as in the Wild Division, which covered itself with unfading glory in the First World War, as well as those officers and Caucasians – ordinary horsemen, who refused to serve the Soviet Power and were shot dead, but remained faithful to their oath."
Day of People's Unity: "Caucasian March" in Moscow
The official return of Caucasians to the Russian Army is understood as an explicit desire of the authorities to show that the Caucasus is a part Russia, like any other region: autumn conscripts from Chechnya and Dagestan went to take their service in the Crimea and the Far East. Similar objectives were pursued by the organizers of the "Caucasian March", which was held in Moscow on November 4, on the National Unity Day.
The user with the nick Alan alanovskiy is sure that such actions are related to the desire of supreme authorities to minimize the risks of interethnic conflict in the country, but he sees no practical sense in them: "In my opinion, everyone should understand that without a signal from the Kremlin such marches could not be held in the current situation in the country; moreover, the organizers were pro-governmental, and it is clear – organizations funded by the state. I cannot judge the organizers and the participants of such events. For me, as a native of the Caucasus, the practical aim and meaning of them are not clear. Well, they gathered one day, well, they marched, and what? It does not mean that representatives of the natives of the Caucasus can go out into the street one day and dance their dance – lezginka. In the best case, they will be accused of inciting interethnic hatred and violation of public order. Now, the authorities are trying to win the trust and support of the Caucasian youth through such events. Because now authorities find it unprofitable to have, as it was some time ago, a strong dissociation and hostility at the international level of Russian citizens. After the events in Ukraine, the Kremlin's policy has changed radically, its current goals and plans have also changes. While prior to the Maydan, the main Russia's problem was in the Caucasus and Caucasians, now they want the Caucasus to became a part of Russia, in which case young men of Caucasian origin, same as their peers from Northern Caucasus could be used anywhere in hot spots – to defend the interests of the Kremlin."
The user siminer believes that such actions are necessary and useful, even if they are initiated by the authorities: "Alan Alanovsky, even if this event was organized by someone from the top, still it's good that it took place, IMHO (in my humble opinion). Muscovites will get used to the idea that Caucasians are theirs, theirs, more than Ukrainians, who hate Muscovites. And if it is the policy of the Kremlin, as you write, so this is great... The practical goal is clear, the sense too: Caucasians are not aliens in Russia. Why don't you like it?"
The user with the nick Mohmad considers the "Caucasian March" as a healthy alternative to the "Russian March", which gathers supporters of nationalistic viewpoints: "I think they were good guys who went there; they danced and had fun there from there heart, while skanky guys throw their hands up to the sky showing the moral decay of all the values, which they call the 'Russian World', Caucasians have demonstrated who are patriots in this country; and there's no need to associate it with support of power: authorities come and go, but the country remains."
The user nice.konan is less optimistic, and believes that such festivals and marches have more populism than real action: "It is much easier once a year to celebrate unity and friendship, than invest, on a daily basis and constantly, into education and development! Hypocrisy is beyond scale!"
The greatest number of votes was scored by the comment of the user with the nick Maktub, who states that the National Unity Day has not become a nationwide holiday in Russia; and he does not see such day in the future:
"Most of those who celebrate and those who don't, do not even know the meaning of the holiday. Yes, and it bothers nobody. And we all know how they gather crowds in squares. Thus, there's no need of 'bla-bla'. There was and there is no unity. The eastern proverb says: 'You may say 'halva' many times, but it won't become sweeter in your mouth."
Hijabs in higher schools: pros and cons
There is no uniform approach to religious attributes. Some higher schools, for example, introduce provisions prohibiting the wearing in their school "of the clothes indicating the belonging to some particular nationality or religion," which causes negative reaction, in particular, of students from Northern Caucasus. They believe that the true purpose of these initiatives is to ban the wearing of hijabs.
The user with the nick Amnistiya believes such protests to be exaggeration, and points to the fact that in some higher schools the observance of strict dress code is mandatory: "Medical educational institutions have always has their dress code... conditioned by the nature of their chosen specialities... one of the most socially demanded and versatile professions should be free of personal ambitions and declared provisions of the Constitution..."
The user stuart2 points to the fact that the right to wear hijab is guaranteed by the Russia's Constitution: "'…to freely choose, have and disseminate religious and other beliefs, and act in accordance therewith' – this is a quote from Article 28 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. There is no sense to debate. 'Wearing religious clothes is a most important part of a person's ethics, which is not contrary to one's civil and public duties' (М. Shevchenko:http://kavpolit.com/blogs/shevchenkomax/8084/). It's hard not to agree with it. And if the nations of Russia so much dislike the religious attributes of gentiles, then, it's time to talk about editing Article 28."
The user with the nick arznevmuskia believes that similar bans are only spoiling the image of the higher school that adopts them, and offers higher school bosses to pay attention to more pressing topics: "The position of the higher school is not surprising. In general, I have a feeling that we live in a mono-national and monotheistic state. What do they have against a hijab? Don't they have other problems in the higher school? And what foreign girls should do? They wouldn't go without scarves. The most interesting point is that they had paid for training; and, probably, quite a lot. OK, you are free to introduce a ban on hijab – and they'll all leave and take their money to some other country; as if we have plenty of money here. So much that we are discussing sequestration of the yearly budget by 16-17 percent. In conclusion: education abroad brings billions into the budgets of higher schools and countries, where they think with their heads, not other parts of the body. And they are fighting for students, be them in hijabs or any other clothes, because by receiving money from them, they give them, apart of training, a part of their culture. These students return home, and remember the people, their culture, etc. Recollect, how many foreigners had been educated in the USSR; and how they are now treating Russia. It's stupid to rush on hijabs and tune people against you. We should look a bit forward and make people – be them in hijabs, or in cassocks, or in dressing gowns, or even in fig-leaves – loyal to ourselves, not enemies."
The largest count of votes was won by the comment of the user with the nick Monro, who criticises the attack on the freedom (including the religious one) of people's choice, if they don't break laws; the user believes that such initiatives are aimed against national and confessional "minorities":
"I've ever thought that a fundamental distinction of democracy from other forms of ruling is in the freedom of choice: whether to wear some strict religious clothes, or dress to one's own discretion – the main point here that it should not prejudice others' rights and freedoms. I've never treated myself to be a religious fanatic, and, possibly, I'm more secular than many others here, who blame the Islam; nevertheless, still, I don't like any attacks on one's choice, be it of clothes, or viewpoints, provided the person abides by the law. Most probably, in this case, we are dealing with ordinary human rottenness, when a stronger human tried to suppress a weaker one – it's always easy to find a reason, since this law is aimed, first of all, against the national minorities, professing other faiths, conquered by Orthodox empires. It's quite easy to guess that the law was initiated by the Orthodox clergy and neo-nationalists […], who sit in the top echelons of this country's power."
Dagestan: cancellation of direct elections
In the case with the N. I. Pirogov Moscow Medical University, a decision was finally found that satisfied both the Rector and Islamic students. However, sometimes restrictions of rights touch on broader layers of population. This autumn Dagestan made a decision to cancel direct elections of municipality heads.
The user with the nick Gorynych notes a low level of political consciousness of Dagestanis, who, as it seems, have lost trust in elected bodies of power: "Unless Dagestan completely dismantles its clans; until the republic gets rid of odious figures, here, at any form of voting these very clans and financial 'fat cat' will dictate their terms. It's no difference – nationwide elections, or elections by representative bodies – they will buy votes and impose their will through falsifications, use of money, firearms and profitable connections. Until there is proper order in place, corruption mechanisms will work in both cases," Magomed Bisavaliev told the 'Caucasian Knot'. These are the truest words in this article! I'd just like to add here a problem of the extremely low political and civil activeness of Dagestanis, who attend not only rallies, but even the elections either under constraint, or by pursuing their own, extremely narrow mercantile interests. People have forgotten, or just don't understand that elections are the only legal way for every citizen of any country to influence the domestic political situation and, accordingly, his/her future and the future of his/her descendants. We can, of course, blame the authorities, who had strained their efforts in creating the situation as it is; however, everyone should remember that he/she is a human, not a mankurt!"
The user U-2 associates the roll down of the electoral process with the fear of the authorities to lose in a fair rivalry to candidates with radical views: "They don't trust the people's ability to decide who will rule them. This is a result of the notorious confrontation of power agents to radical believers; they are probably afraid that voters will prefer radicals."
The user Pavel1602 indicates to not very local cause for the cancellation of local elections: "This project is being lobbied for the election of City Manager of Makhachkala. There is not a single worthy candidate; while the acting one failed to meet the hopes of citizens! Makhachkala is drowning in garbage; they plan to disconnect water for the second time; roads are in poor condition…"
The user Anji1983 ironically notes that people have lost not only their voting rights, but also some help in households: "Here we are; before they brought flour or sand and spread in exchange for votes; however, ARG has deprived us of this either."
The majority of the votes were cast by the comment of the user with the nick Musulmanin, who believes that by taking such a decision, the authorities have even more distanced off from the people; and they cannot now rely on people's support:
"Thus, we are deprived of the right to elect best candidates in a free competitive rivalry. I used to think earlier that the most stupid politician in the world was George W. Bush the junior, but now I changed my mind in favour of our home-grown ones! What kind of people's support can we talk after such decisions? People will curse you; and when you'll be replaced by others by your boss, then, you will, more likely, regret that you have deprived people of their rights. However, people are silent; thus, we deserve such attitude."
Kabardino-Balkaria: parliamentary elections
The Dagestani initiative to abolish municipal elections will, probably, be borrowed by other regions of Northern Caucasus. Meanwhile, Kabardino-Balkaria held its parliamentary relations, which were described by users of the "Caucasian Knot" in most glowing colours.
The user with the nick Akim writes that the outcome of the elections was known in advance; and, in general, he doubts of the expediency of the existence of such a body as the Parliament of the KBR: "Unfortunately, siminer, you're right. The instruction of splitting the seats in the parliament was known back on August 18, and, I think, nobody was hiding it. Nobody counted ballot papers, they were just thrown into bags and then – into a distant corner. The bad news is that we perceive falsifications as something routine, like as it should be; and there's a good point in all this mess. The parliament has never decided anything. If they disappear without notifying anyone, you can be sure that this would have passed unnoticed. In fact, for the previous 8 years the parliament adopted only 5 their own acts. Well done, guys!"
The user helmut-lipfert writes that he went to vote and opposes those, who ignore the voting and treats it as unfair well in advance: "Three days before the elections, they shouted: 'Let's don't go to the polls! It's all not fair there!' And now they are outraged at the fact that they decide everything without them?! (((So, don't go there further! And the insane Vladimir Zhirinovsky will by means of you 'wash his boots in the Indian Ocean!')))) As long as you yourself treat yourself as cattle… nobody will treat you differently! I went to the polls and voted as I saw it necessary! By the way, the fact that the 'greens' have won so many votes… says that all are sick and tired of others... This is point one! And the elections were more or less honest! Point two! And I voted not for the 'greens'! Point three!)))."
The user with the nick BenJoice disagrees with this opinion, as he sees no difference in which political forces will win and how many seats they get in the parliament: "What is the difference in who has passed? Oppositional parties have ignored the elections; and those who took part were united as never, in a single gust...). Is it not the same who will receive budget money, while sitting in cosy armchairs? The pursued policy will always be the same, which is, by the way, quite correct, especially now. "
The user neru.javakharlal believes that people would not like changes; while some of them vote "for presents": "Even if all KBR does not vote, it will be a drop in the sea of 150 million. people. But people vote and receive gifts at polling stations. Basically, they are given to pensioners and women with children. I myself saw how they gave boxes of chocolates sweets; and people do not vote for changes; they vote for peace. If we change the power, then, again we'll have resignations, conflicts of interests, and even possible crime. People do not want what is happening in Ukraine and what took place in Chechnya."
The comment of the user with the nick Dobry gathered the highest number of votes. The reader questioned in official figures on the voter turnout at poling stations:
"35% would come to vote, if these elections were fair. We should not exaggerate the electoral activity of people in the impoverished country. All have long neglected the elections and the possibility to somehow influence the life in the republic. Parliament is a normal trade union, where one can get some privileges for oneself. Not a single political initiative, not a single slogan or suggestion. And for this rotten matter 35% voted by noon. Are there any who has voted here? Please reply. At least one?"
Is it possible to defeat corruption?
The distrust in the elections in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (KBR) has to do with a whole range of resonant corruption-related cases initiated against local officials of all possible ranks, starting since 2012, when some of them, accused of corruption, were solemnly detained in their offices and convoyed to Moscow. The latest judicial decisions were announced in relation to employees of the Federal Treasury for the KBR.
The user with the nick exist believes that the war on corruption in the republic is not a senseless idea – it may be successful: "Why not? How can we then explain the phenomenon of Tatarstan? And what about the Belgorod, Tula, Kaliningrad Regions and other most successful regions of Russia? They also have officials there, but officials are different. Recollect the time of Malbakhov. Everything built in the republic was built under the leadership of Timbora Malbakhov, the then head of the regional communist party committee. Yes, the country is really deep in corruption; but the problem is not only in the very structure of power. A change of names of federal bodies of power into regional ones, their content won't change. Maybe, finally, people are the point? Both in the centre and in regions."
The user erik_cartmann predicts that soon the KBR will see new corruption scandals related to the cadre "cleansings" in bodies of power: "As to the essence of the article and comments of those 'communicated', I can repeat my recent conclusion that (it looks like, but not the fact) we see a 'bulldogs' fight under the carpet' in bodies of power! So far, they do it as a 'test of the pen', of course! They test the soil for more serious 'Brownian movements'. There are too many 'overfed' and 'long-sitters' there! And too many 'young and green', thirsty for posts and awards… and, of course, sources! How can we do without them?!))) From here we have 'cases' with idiotic formulations of 'corpus delicti' and inconsistent modus operandi..."
The user with the nick w753qk, on the contrary, believes that no tough measures and criminal cases will follow: "Akim: 'Khloponin, all the terrorism and extremism stems from the bureaucrats' social policy.' Everybody knows where terrorism and extremism stems from, Since the 1990s, everything is done in the country for the sake of the authorities and for the sake of bureaucrats; the KBR cannot be an island of stability and order, is the whole country is immersed in corruption. Example: Vasilieva is under arrest, but they let her to create, sing, dance and amuse people. There is and will be no prison for those 'attached'; and everything stems from here!"
The highest support of the voters was given to the user with the nick Akim. The reader writes that the main obstacle in fighting corruption is that it has completely penetrated all the management mechanisms; as an example, he describes the corruption scheme in the sphere of construction:
"The whole republic's system is built under a corruption model. If you touch it, all the management links will get broken. It looks like everyone is happy; otherwise we have a natural question already to the new power. There are new people in armchairs of the power, but their management schemes are old and corrupt. Let's take, for example, the work of our city administration in Nalchik. The system of issuing construction permits is of obviously corrupt character at the level of local legislation; and huge money is circulating around these temporary regulations. Everybody knows the procedure, and everyone is happy. According to the regulations, no construction is allowed in the city at the level of legislation; but they are building and legitimating new structures. The 'cost' of the issue is already above 100,000 roubles. It's high time for the new authorities to start working, but I can hardly believe, since those who had written the regulations, now are in charge of issuing permits. They are not so mad to lose these stable revenues. Khloponin said that 'all the terrorism and extremism stems from bureaucrats' social policies.' I agree with him 100 percent. As to the Treasury, a request will follow to the federal management as to the cleanness of thoughts in fair serving the state, including in the KBR."
Southern Caucasus: where will the new Maydan break out?
The corruption level beyond all limits was one of the reasons of the crisis that Ukraine is now facing, which resulted in overthrowing the power, actual loss of a part of the territory and a civil armed conflict. Readers assessed the chances of the Maydan scenario in the Caucasus.
The user TEDE recollects the experience of the Georgian "Revolution of Roses": "Maybe in Georgia, which is easy to rise, there might be a relapse, just if the events in Georgia are covered by the Russian state-owned mass media. In case of Armenia, Russian TV mass media can easily block any news from there, as it already happened. That is why any unrest in Armenia will hardly affect the public opinion in Russia."
The user hmaeak does not suppose that in the current situation the countries of Transcaucasia may gather enough supporters of mass protests against the authorities: "There are quite plenty of those who wishes to have a Maydan, even here, at the forum of the 'Caucasian Knot'; however, they are, thanks God, not in the majority; thus, who will trust them now? Armenia had something like semi-Maydans, but people understand that it means death. It's all clear with Georgia: they have generated the immunity. Azerbaijanis, being oriental people, are ready to tolerate – for them a bird in hand is worth two in the bush."
The user with the nick Rock has least hopes for the Maydan scenario in Azerbaijan: ",,,,)))))))) Good guy Berg...man, a brilliant post (without irony)))),,, they are right saying that brevity is talent's sister,,,,, the strength of the post is that we can argue and argue,,, agree and agree,, suppose and suppose,,,, Maydan in Transcaucasia is possible everywhere – and impossible everywhere,,,, to be more precise, like that: in Georgia, it is, of course, possible, and should Misha have stayed at the top, it should have been happened; and he should have been driven to the hell,,, in Armenia, it is at all most probable, BUT,,, all the leaders were notable for flexibility and ability to persuade people,,,, well, and in Azerbaijan – it is the most Impossible variant,,, since people will hardly ever grasp stones, fearing a blank execution and losing what 'the family' is voluntarily giving them,,, while the family will never give their power away,,, that is, it will be the bloodiest variant,,,,"
In the opinion of the user with the nick turist, there will no copy of Ukrainian unrests in Transcaucasia; he emphasizes that the final aim of all the Maydans in the Caucasus is Russia: "It will happen nowhere. The least probable variant is Armenia. In order to shake Southern Caucasus again, the West should neutralize the core of Russian influence, that is, Armenia; and NGO activists are still 'breathing' there. Georgia is already exhausted; it has lost all it could lose. Azerbaijan is hardly probable, since a priori the power is very strong and cruel there. But Armenia also has one nuance, meaning that the events of March 2008 may repeat here, since Putin understands quite well: if he loses Armenia, the whole Southern Caucasus will sail away from him. besides, all the three countries are dependents or pawns in the chess match of RUSSIA with BRITAIN."
The largest count of votes was awarded to the user with the nick karen, who suggests in his comment that an attempt to overthrow the power will be undertaken in Armenia, noting that he himself is against such course of history for his country:
"My idea is that the next attempt should be in Armenia, but I hope that our authorities will cope with it and won't admit it. Corrupt persons, like Poroshenko, Yatsenyuk and the like, are among any nation; and imagine, if such people take power in Armenia, they may easily refuse from Nagorno-Karabakh in favour of Azerbaijan; and it means that Azerbaijan will sharply turn away from Russia' and the Caucasian region will become anti-Russian. Thus, in Azerbaijan there is no sense of Maydan, while Georgia is already under pindo-Europeans."
Russia and Georgia: ways of rapprochement on Abkhazia and South Ossetia
The Ukrainian crisis has also launched new integration processes in Southern Caucasus. Russia signed a new cooperation treaty with Abkhazia, and is drafting a new integration treaty with South Ossetia. Georgia, which considers Abkhazia and South Ossetia its illegally occupied territories, failed to find any contact points with the self-proclaimed states. Is any Russian-Georgian dialogue possible in this situation?
The user with the nick LeningradSKY suggests starting with economic cooperation: "O-oh, I'm sick and tired of repeating: a mutually profitable business and economic integration, etc. is the only way for further integrations. Start with the railways... Well, let them cut still another tunnel somewhere to northern slopes under the slogan: 'One seasonal tourist voucher to the best alpine ski resorts of Northern and Southern Caucasus!' Let them finally start building their alpine Switzerland with Austria."
The user xevisberi sees the way for normalizing the Russian-Georgian relations only through recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia: "Bergman, I'm all the time writing: if we want good Russian-Georgian relations, we should do what Russia frankly tells us: to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia; otherwise we should admit that the relations will remain the same as of Greece with Turkey, of the USA with Cuba, or of Serbia with Albania. Without the recognition all out statements and motions will be fruitless."
The user with the nick guran believes that the new Russian-Abkhaz treaty is in fact an implementation in Abkhazia of the Crimean scenario, and incorporation of Abkhazia into the Russian Federation: "Berg, you should have at least a bit of compassion to the Georgian power – if Russian and Abkhazia sign the treaty in the form as it is now – it will mean an actual incorporation of Abkhazia into the Russian Federation on the terms of association; we cannot otherwise interpret such provisions of the treaty like elimination of the internal border and creation of the common external one; creation of the joint army and harmonisation of the Abkhaz and Russian legislation. Then, Russian business will arrive in Abkhazia, and the Krasnodar Riviera will extend to the Abkhazian seashore. This is, in fact, a Crimean variant, but without landing operations and noise in media; but Tbilisi has to react somehow, like in the anecdote: 'Well, Sir, do at least something! But what, damn it, Can I do!? Well, at least say good-bye."
The majority of the votes were cast for the user with the nick АLIK, who believes that Russia, having recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, has played a positive role, including also for Georgia, but now it is time for Georgia to fix relations with its "occupied territories":
"I don't know about the recognition, but, I think, sooner or later, there will be some contact of officials of South Ossetia and Abkhazia with their counterparts in Georgia without any mediators. It is obvious, in the end, that the territory of former Georgia have become almost the most peaceful area after Russian had recognized these two republics. In fact, Georgia has benefited from this, to say nothing about the republics as such. It looks like Americans are also grown cooler to Georgians, to be more exact, they have more global directions. Same as Russia – too much headache apart from these young republics. They should use the moment and set up relations. This is my naïve and optimistic opinion."
Will the foodstuff embargo help Caucasian villages?
The Ukrainian crisis has activated Russia's foreign policy in the post-Soviet environment. The West has considered these actions (first of all, the incorporation of the Crimea by the Russian Federation) to be an aggressive violation of the international law and introduced sanctions against Russian companies and individuals. In response, Russia introduced an embargo on foodstuff imports from the countries, which had joined the anti-Russian sanctions. Can these measures help farmers of Northern Caucasus?
The user with the nick Dobry warns that the embargo as such gives no privileges and shows that to scale up the yield of agriculture, the Caucasus needs accessible credits: "As they say, intentions are good; but why does it happen as usually? Because banks are state-owned; and they issue, as a rule, problematic and non-repaid loans and credits. If the sum is large, then, they sell it to some other creditor under a high discount. Why they issue, I think, it's clear. Another issue is that how then state banks influence the crediting market and equalize their indicators: they do it through subordinated credits from the state. Such poor banks, which always repair their position through the state funds, make the main acting force in the credit market. On the other hand, the state has complicated to the maximum the access to 'long money' for commercial banks. As a result, it looks like there is some proposal of credit resources, but they are provided to entrepreneurs by state banks under very complicated conditions for an ordinary agrarian: no land mortgage, right to lease, etc., but plenty of evaluation criteria, which give the right to make use of s sort of "upon-will crediting". Besides, commercial banks, which have no 'long money' for crediting, have to compete with state banks, which have already won the race because of direct help of the state. The end of the story will always be the same: they will always grant credits for alcohol, vodka, trade in clothes, direct swindling, but never to support the agriculture. Because there's always a guy, who is worried about his own pocket much more that about the progress of agriculture."
The user with the nick Аcc offers to help farmers of the Caucasus by means of interest-free loans and exemption from rental fees: "Just grant them into lease what they process – the land, and do like in Canada; planting under schedule in order not to have excess or deficit of some product; and in animal husbandry – they should receive, for several years, interest-free loans and release from rental fees."
The user Rock arrives at the conclusion that only new and tougher sanctions of the West can influence Russia's financial monopolists, whose crediting policy affects agrarians: "Indeed, the agrarian policy has been reduced to a donation auction; while agrarians have transformed, in some magic way into sub-purchasers of melons and strawberries, standing along and across highways. The only instrument that may affect the crediting policy of our state is in the Western sanctions against Russian banks-financial monopolists – SB, VTB, VTB-24, VEB and other subdivisions headed by inert and non-initiative holders of the control stake, whose all initiative was in reselling of cheap European inter-bank loan to some Russian creditor,,, now the conditions will change,,, and Polish apples will look like flowers before the berries of the credit crisis. Frankly speaking, I don't know whether it is good, or still better,,))))."
Most votes went to the user with the nick nice.konan, who believes that the first measure to help Caucasian farmers should be a solution of the legal status of agrarian lands:
"Until the agrarian lands are returned within the scope of the legal sphere, there will be no good. All the investments will be spread among 'users' themselves... The 'Rial-Agro' was put in place of the farm closed because of brucellosis, and what? Same collective farm thefts, same manure storages, and the same project of the mid-20th century! Dogs from the dump, foxes, mice, elite cows, intoxicated by stillage calve in the delivery premise; however, now, we can watch this intimate process online!"
Rouble exchange rate: how is the Azeri economy dependent on it?
The final link in the chain of implications of the Ukrainian crisis and subsequent exchange of economic sanctions among Russia, EU and USA was a serious drop of the rouble exchange rate and oil prices, which affects the economy not only of Russia, but of other countries, in particular, of Azerbaijan.
The user with the nick Roma, however, feels no great worry about the mess in the markets: "Our manta is rigidly tied, first of all, to the US dollar, while the latter is tied to the oil price. Thus, during the 2008 crisis, oil went down to 40 dollars per barrel, while the manat remained at 0.78 per dollar, even when last year oil went up to 123 dollars per barrel. From the viewpoint of an ordinary citizen, it's profitable to have this exchange rate, but it makes locally-made goods non-competitive, and tells negatively on the state budget and decreases the reserves of the National Bank. This exchange rate suits local oligarchs, they are same as high-ranking bureaucrats, who have monopolized the imports."
The user with the nick vosov objects by indicating that almost half of capable citizens of Azerbaijan work in Russia and maintain their families and relatives in their homeland by earning roubles: "I support Roma's opinion; and I'm happy that your Azerbaijani currency is solid like a stone from the Kurmukhchai River. But, in general, the rouble downfall is seriously touching on the economic and social interests of many Azerbaijanis, and the country's economy. Out of 4.5 million capable citizens of the country, about 2 million mainly work in Russia and other countries; the money transfers they send get depreciated, that is, their families and relatives will buy less goods and services. Thus, they will invest less into social economy of Azerbaijan. This will affect the progress rates of the spheres of construction and services. Thus, the level of life in Azerbaijan will degrade. The fact that the national currency is strong brings no warmth or cold to an ordinary citizen of Azerbaijan, maybe more cold."
The user Vito believes it an exaggeration to think that the Azerbaijani economy depends on money transfers from Russia: "vosov, from when has the Azerbaijani economy began depending on 'investing' the transfers received from Russia? Haven't you, by chance, mixed it up with Armenia? Your opinion is wrong... strong currency is warm... of course all countries are interconnected economically... it will be less comfortable... but not fatal!"
By their largest count of votes, our readers supported the opinion of the user with the nick borcali, who evidenced the already established crisis in the building sphere in Azerbaijan:
"Roma, you should keep tour money in some strong currency, it's profitable. Since we have already the third economic crisis, it's hard to predict what currency will be strong. It's better to keep assets in real estate and precious metals and stones. Of course, the rouble drop has affected Azerbaijan. The residential rates go down; and in future we'll have problems in construction, while other economy sectors will be affected insignificantly, if at all."
Armenia and Azerbaijan: who is blamed for downing helicopter in Karabakh?
Apart from certain economic problems in Azerbaijan, this autumn saw an aggravation in the Karabakh conflict zone. On November 12, Azerbaijani militaries shot down a military helicopter. Under the version of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Azerbaijan, a helicopter of the Armed Forces of Armenia was downed by response fire after it attacked Azerbaijani positions. Under the version of the MoD of Nagorno-Karabakh, the Azerbaijani party had violated the ceasefire regime and shot down the helicopter of the Air Force of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), which was on its training flight. The readers' opinions on the reasons and guilt of the parties diverged.
The user Vladivostok2000 treats the episode with the helicopter as an aggravation of the conflict by the Azerbaijan party in response to the demonstration of force by Armenia: "As far as I understand, in this case, on the part of the NKR it was a demonstration of force, without any direct intention to provoke military actions.Azerbaijan decided to aggravate the situation at the armed forces contact line. I strongly doubt that your government had really planned to resume the warfare as a result thereof. Now, both parties will keep silent, expecting local shootouts. The only thing that I don't understand: why have you decided that this event should surely entail a wide-scale war with involvement of the Russian Army? The contact line is in place; the armies are in their places. Maybe for me, because of Ukrainian events, such episodes are already not associated with anything supernatural. Thus, here, already during ceasefire, we had losses on both parties."
The user Grant believes that losses of militaries can be avoided, should politicians and militaries on both sides of the conflict be more responsible: "In my opinion, in the tragedy, a part of responsibility is also on the Armenian command. The feelings of the defeated party should be understood and spared; and its reaction and possible actions should be forecasted and simulated. Should out exercises take place farther from the border, they'd pass normally; and victims and tension could have been avoided. And here, we have a frank hint on our party, and demonstration of force – 'we're ready' – in response. Given the everyday rising tension in the world, both regional politicians and militariesshould be especially correct and responsible. If something is doomed to blow up, let it be not in our common house."
The user borcali believes that Azeri militaries were right by downing the helicopter, as it violated the air space of Azerbaijan: "Ilkham, you're not sincere. Whose helicopter was it: of Armenia or NKR? Comment to your answer: 1) There is no air space of the Nagorno-Karabakh republic (NKR), but there is the Azerbaijani air space, recognized by the whole world; 2) Why didn't earlier exercises come so close? It follows that Armenia wanted this incident; 3) Read again the statement of your 'clever guys'; and you'll understand that if Armenia starts moving, Azerbaijan can easily go to the international court; maybe they'll do it in future, because the helicopter belongs to Armenian Armed Forces, and the crew was made up of citizens of Armenia. And it indicates a violation of the Azerbaijani air space, which is globally recognized. While you write about some 'air space of Nagorno-Karabakh', not recognized even by Armenia, which is afraid to recognize it."
Most of the votes went to the comment of the user Ilkham, who believes that Azerbaijanis acted against the ethics of war, since they were warned about the military exercises conducted by the Armenian party:
"borcali, I've answered. OK, let's do it point by point: 1. Armenians are told that the helicopter was flying in the air space of Nagorno-Karabakh; in the Armenians' opinion, the craft did not violate the air space of Azerbaijan; 2. No, I don't think so, Armenians want no war; 3. Armenians do not ask Sargsyan and Oganyan, since they are sure that the craft was downed in the air space of Nagorno-Karabakh. My personal opinion is that there is some ethics of war; and Azeris acted against the ethics; moreover, they had been warned about the military exercises."
By the outcomes of the autumn months, out of the weekly comments, recognized to be the best by the readers, the best comment of the fall of 2014 was chosen out of those posted on the pages of the "Caucasian Knot". The contest outcomes were published on October 15. We hereby ask all the winners and prize holders to report their contact data, for us to be able to contact you and agree about the delivery or transfer of your awards. It can be done by means of the feedback form.
