Author of report on jihad export offers Kremlin to strengthen counter-IS propaganda

In Russia, the "Islamic State" (IS) has its organized underground, whose members may significantly increase the level of the terror threat; therefore the country is in dire need of "clever propaganda", so that young people had no desire to join militants, asserts Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya, the author of the report on the export of jihad from the Caucasus to Syria.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that 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.

"We need clever propaganda to be conducted by people with high authority among the Salafi youth. Instead of harassing such people like Khamzat Chumakov, an Imam, who condemns the ISIL and violence, we must cooperate with them and protect them. But instead we see that an attempt was committed on him in Ingushetia; and it is unlikely that anyone will be punished," said Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya.

She criticizes the actions of power agents, who use registering and "spiritual certification" in Chechnya.

"I hope that this practice will be abandoned. I have little hope for Chechnya, but I hope that in Dagestan there is an understanding that the registration system is counterproductive; that it radicalizes the youth and brings no benefits," Ms Sokiryanskaya has added.

She believes that in the near future we should not expect any IS activation in Northern Caucasus – power agents keep the situation under control. However, the IS possesses some underground in Russia, although not numerous, but capable, with a little financial and logistical support, to "raise the level of terrorist threat by times."

"From time to time, attacks associated with the ISIL and inspired thereof will be committed in the territory of the Russian Federation," said Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya, adding that conditions should be created for people to get disappointed in the ideas of the terrorist organization and return to peaceful life.

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