ICG issues report on export of jihad from Caucasus to Syria

The level of violence in Northern Caucasus has dropped significantly, partly due to the outflow of militants to Syria. But Russia needs to conduct an effective de-radicalization in Northern Caucasus – not to suppress moderate Salafis, and create for radicals the conditions for leaving the underground. This is stated in the report of the International Crisis Group (ICG), published today.

The English-language version of the report of the ICG "The North Caucasus Insurgency and Syria: An Exported Jihad?" has been posted on the ICG's website today.

The report states that from the second half of 2014, the authorities have reduced the outflow of radicals by starting a hunt both on recruiters and fund raisers for the terrorist organization IS, banned in Russia, and on potential militants. However, they have increased pressure on moderate Salafis, especially in Dagestan. In Chechnya, the report states, the policy towards traditional Salafis is even tougher.

According to the calculations, run by the "Caucasian Knot", since January 1, at least 48 criminal cases have been opened against residents of the North-Caucasian Federal District (NCFD), who are still fighting in the Middle East, and the citizens who have returned to Russia from the territory of conflict in Iraq and Syria.

The ICG has recommended the Russian government to actively implement democratic procedures, promote dialogue of Sufis and Salafis in Dagestan, Chechnya and Ingushetia, better fight corruption and give young people opportunities for peaceful self-realization. Rights defenders also called on the power agents not to unnecessarily press Salafis; and to create conditions for radicals for getting out of the underground.

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