The Foreign Service Journal, April 2007

F O C U S 48 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / A P R I L 2 0 0 7 Russia’s growing population of radical and reformist Muslims. These groups, some but not all of which sup- port the use of violence, have been preaching that eth- nic divisions within the Muslim community may be overcome by purifying Muslim practice and belief according to the tenets of Salafism. Followers of this doctrine in Russia have developed far more extensive cooperation across ethnic lines than have followers of traditional Islam. But at the same time, they have brought about a new and potentially even more serious split within the Muslim community — between those who practice the new imported doctrine and those who follow the more spiritual and ritual-focused Muslim practices traditional to the region. (These practices are based on Sufism in the North Caucasus and on Jadidism, a reformist Muslim doctrine developed in the late 19th century, in the Volga region.) The diversity of Russia’s Muslims presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Moscow. The Kremlin needs to work carefully to limit the spread of potentially violent, radical Islam in the North Caucasus and beyond without alienating the rest of Russia’s Muslim population. So far, as exemplified by its abu- sive response to provocations in places like Nalchik, the government has not done a very good job of this. There is still time, however, for Russian policymakers to come to understand that not all pious Muslims are potential violent radicals. The majority of Russia’s religious Muslims oppose radical Islam and would gladly work with the govern- ment to reduce its influence. Such an alliance could be cemented if the Russian leadership began to treat the Muslim population with respect, appointed regional leaders who have the trust of the local population and acted to reduce the corruption that has virtually destroyed the economy of much of the North Caucasus. Given the trends in Russian policies toward Muslims under Putin, this is unlikely to happen in the short term, but it may be possible under new leader- ship after 2008. Interim Accommodations for Corporate and Government Markets Apartments, Townhouses & Single Family Homes “FOR THE EXECUTIVE ON THE MOVE” finder5@IX.netcom.com Locations throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. Units fully furnished, equipped and accessorized Many “Walk to Metro” locations Pet Friendly 5105-L Backlick Road, Annandale, Virginia Tel: (703) 354-4070 Fax: (703) 642-3619 Executive Lodging Alternatives