IS attracts young Muslims by promise of social justice

The "Islamic State" (IS), recognized as a terrorist organization, was joined by up to 7000 residents of Northern Caucasus. They are attracted by a possibility to live in a Sharia state and by promises of social justice, said the participants of the on-line discussion on the "Caucasian Knot" under the moderation of Naima Neflyasheva, a candidate of historical sciences.

The panel discussion with the expert on the topic "Northern Caucasus: how to respond to IS' challenges?" was held on August 29 in the online mode on the "Caucasian Knot". The detailed content of the discussion is available on the Russian-language forum of the "Caucasian Knot".

"The share of the Caucasians, who joined the IS, is incredibly high: as estimated by Salafis themselves, by the end of 2014, it made from 7% to 10% of all the fighters. If we take the average estimated figure at the time of 30,000 militants of the IS, then the number of Caucasians in the IS will be from 2100 to 3000 persons," said Akhmet Yarlykapov, a senior fellow at the MGIMO, who opened the discussion.

According to his calculations, "the majority of these 'Caucasians' are natives of the Russian Northern Caucasus." "According to different sources, up to 7000 people left there from Northern Caucasus; and the flow does not stop. Only Chechens are there in the number of 3000 (statement by Magomed Daudov on February 19, 2015); many left there from Europe," said the scientist.

According to Yarlykapov, it is known from open sources that the network of IS recruiters in Russia is becoming more and more extensive; and an exclusive role in recruitment belongs to video clips and appeals posted on the Internet.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.