Dispute between Kadyrov's adviser and Arab Sheikh's grandson threats image of Chechen leader

After failing a discussion with a descendant of the Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Adam Shakhidov, the advisor to the leader of Chechnya, did not accompany Ramzan Kadyrov during his visit to Bahrain, residents of the republic noted. Ramzan Kadyrov is trying to create an image of a respected politician in the Middle East, explain experts engaged in the study of the Caucasus.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on October 17, Salih ibn Baz, a grandson of the former Mufti of Saudi Arabia, accused Ramzan Kadyrov of harassing Wahhabis, since the leader of Chechnya declared Wahhabism contradicting the Koran and the Sunnah.

Fatima, a member of an NGO, suggests that Ramzan Kadyrov replaced Adam Shakhidov with a new interpreter because of the unsuccessful discussion between Adam Shakhidov and Salih ibn Baz.

The Adam Shakhidov's conversation with the descendant of the Arab Mufti is "an attempt to show that they are part of the Arab-Muslim world, a respected part," believes political analyst Alexei Malashenko.

Salih ibn Baz enjoys authority among young Muslims, including in Northern Caucasus, explains Ruslan Gereev, the director of the Centre for Islamic Studies of Northern Caucasus.

"Russia is returning to the Middle East, and that requires proven people. Ramzan Kadyrov is now perceived as the Kremlin's pillar in Northern Caucasus and a mediator between the Kremlin and the Middle East," Ruslan Gereev stated.